Chance to keep Guardi masterpiece in the UK
Temporary export bar placed on 1768 painting of Venice's famous Rialto Bridge.
An 18th-century depiction of Venice鈥檚 famous Rialto Bridge could be lost to the nation unless a UK buyer can be found.
Culture Minister has placed a temporary export bar on the Francesco Guardi painting to provide a chance to raise the money to keep it in the country.
皇冠体育app ruling follows a recommendation by the , which highlighted the painting鈥檚 aesthetic importance and significance for the study of the development of Guardi and Venetian view painting.
Guardi was the last great native view painter of Venice and subsequent artists, including Turner, were inspired by his example.
鈥淭his noble painting represents Francesco Guardi on the grand scale, emulating Canaletto and Bellotto,鈥� said Reviewing Committee member Simon Swynfen Jervis. 鈥淲hether it was patterns of patronage or his own inclination which later impelled him towards a smaller scale and lighter touch, the View of the Rialto demonstrates that in 1768 he could impress as well as delight.鈥�
皇冠体育app decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for a period ending on 16 January 2012 inclusive. This could be extended until 16 July if a serious bid is being made to raise funds to buy the painting at its recommended price of nearly 拢26.7 million.
Details about how to buy the painting can be found on the .