The decision gives potential buyers until August 26 to make their intentions known to keep the painting in Britain. The asking price is £1.37m.
If a serious proposal is made by then, the export ban may be extended. The move follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art.
The painting is rated as “a powerful expression of the Gothic aesthetic” that “represents the beginning of a unique cycle of 88 religious paintings, produced by the artist for his most important patron, Thomas Butts”.
Further temporary bars have been placed on several other important works:
• A 16th century drawing by the Italian artist Parmigianino, entitled Ganymede Serving Nectar to the Gods, valued at a little over £224,000, plus VAT where applicable.
• Three English 15th century secular oak figures depicting a nobleman, a knight and a man in a tunic, from Naworth Castle in Cumbria, £220,000 plus VAT.
• A second century Roman marble statue of a Molossian dog, The Dog of Alcibiades, valued at about £662,000 plus VAT.
Contact the Reviewing Committee on 020 7211 6200.
Temporary export bans on a variety of works of art
WILLIAM Blake’s painting God Blessing the Seventh Day is one of a number of art treasures placed under a temporary export ban by Arts Minister Tessa Blackstone.
