Image: The Virgin and Child Enthroned by Sandro Botticelli (DCMS)
A rare early painting by Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli has been placed under a temporary export bar in the hope it can be saved for the nation.
A temporary export bar has been placed on The Virgin and Child Enthroned, an early work by Italian painter Sandro Botticelli, valued at more than £10.2 million.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport hopes that a UK gallery or institution will step forward to acquire the painting, which dates from the early 1470s and is believed to have been created early in Botticelli’s career. The decision to defer an export licence follows advice from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.
The Virgin and Child Enthroned depicts the Madonna and Christ Child, and features stylistic links to the central figure in his celebrated Primavera. Scholars believe the painting was originally intended for private devotion in a domestic setting.
The Reviewing Committee found that the painting met the third Waverley criterion, for its outstanding significance to the study of western art, Botticelli’s early style, Florentine workshop practice, and the history of collecting in the UK.
Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: “I hope that a UK gallery is able to save this work so that it can be enjoyed by the public for generations to come.
Christopher Baker, Committee member: “Further research on the placement of Botticelli’s work in his career and the organisation of his workshop, as well as links with the wider context of Florentine Renaissance art would all be of enormous benefit. In view of these intriguing possibilities every effort should be made to try and secure this beguiling painting for a British collection.
Very few early works by Botticelli remain in the UK, and acquiring The Virgin and Child Enthroned would greatly enhance national holdings of Renaissance art. The painting was brought to Britain in 1904 by Lady Wantage and formed part of the renowned Lloyd collection.
The decision on the export licence application will be deferred until 8 August 2025 inclusive. At the end of the initial deferral period, there will be a 15-day consideration window for any formal offer to purchase the painting at the recommended price of £9,960,000 (plus VAT of £272,000, reclaimable by eligible institutions). A second deferral period of six months will follow if an Option Agreement is signed.
Public institutions may also submit lower offers through private treaty sale arrangements, which can result in significant financial benefits.
