AAG - Arts & Antiques Group

About AAG

AAG, short for Arts and Antiques Group, is an Amsterdam auction house for art, antiques, wines and collectibles. It was established in 2004 when Talita Teves took over the former Glerum auction house. AAG says it is based in Amsterdam, the centre of the Dutch art and antiques trade.

The house works with its own specialist team and a wider network of art historians, collectors and museums. Besides consignments for auction, it provides valuations for estates and inheritance matters.

History

AAG's predecessor, Glerum, was founded in 1989 by Jan Pieter Glerum. The business was originally based in The Hague before moving to the Lekstraat Synagogue in Amsterdam in the late 1990s. In 2004 Glerum was taken over by Talita Teves and continued as AAG.

The Lekstraat Synagogue at Lekstraat 63, designed by Abraham Elzas and completed in 1937, was the last synagogue built in Amsterdam before the Second World War and is now a national monument. Part of the building has long served as AAG's saleroom. The house's own website currently gives its location simply as Amsterdam and says it is open by appointment.

• 1989: Jan Pieter Glerum founds the Glerum auction house
• Late 1990s: the house moves into the Lekstraat Synagogue in Amsterdam
• 2004: Talita Teves takes over Glerum, which continues as AAG
• 2018: Isaac Israëls' Twee Javaanse danseressen sells for about 363,000 euros against an estimate of 60,000 to 80,000 euros

What they sell

AAG holds sales of art from old masters to contemporary work, alongside silver, jewellery, watches and decorative arts. It is particularly associated with Indonesian and Indo-European art, as well as Asian art more broadly.

• Classic to contemporary art, including old masters, 19th-century paintings and modern and contemporary works
• Silver, jewellery, watches and clocks
• Decorative arts, ceramics and porcelain
• Interior furnishings
• Asian art, including a dedicated AAG Goes Asia programme
• Wines

Selling

Sellers can request an online valuation or make an appointment. AAG promotes consigned lots through its mailing lists, advertising, social media, its website and international platforms including Artnet, Artprice and Invaluable. Seller commission depends on the category.

• Paintings, drawings, watercolours, prints and sculpture: 10% commission
• All other goods: 15% commission
• Minimum commission of 100 euros per lot
• Insurance of 1% of the hammer price, or of the low estimate if higher
• Catalogue photography from 50 euros (quarter page) to 250 euros (full page)

VAT is charged on the commission and costs, except insurance.

Buying and bidding

AAG runs catalogued sales in its main categories, typically around June and December, and has also held timed online sales. Recent numbered sales were Classic to Contemporary Art in June 2023, June 2024 (timed online) and December 2024, plus a silver, jewellery, watches and decorative arts sale in December 2024. Buyers can bid online through AAG's own catalogue and through Invaluable.

The buyer's premium is tiered, and under the margin scheme the VAT on the premium is already included.

• Up to 20,000 euros: 29.6%
• 20,001 to 200,000 euros: 25%
• From 200,001 euros: 20%
• Lots marked with an asterisk carry VAT on the hammer price as well
• Payment is due within three days of the auction, and lots are released only after payment

Location

AAG is based in Amsterdam, and its long-time address is the former Lekstraat Synagogue at Lekstraat 63. Visits are by appointment, which can be made by phone, email or through the contact form on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AAG the same as the old Glerum auction house?

AAG grew out of Glerum. The Glerum house was founded by Jan Pieter Glerum in 1989 and was taken over by Talita Teves in 2004, when it continued as AAG.

What is the buyer's premium at AAG?

It is 29.6% on the hammer price up to 20,000 euros, 25% from 20,001 to 200,000 euros, and 20% above 200,000 euros, with VAT on the premium included.

How much does AAG charge sellers?

Commission is 10% for paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture, and 15% for other goods, with a minimum of 100 euros per lot, plus 1% insurance and optional photography costs.