Made in 16th century Germany, the Renaissance casket features complex geometric designs and was in the collection of the Scottish stately home from at least 1730. It was placed under export bar in April. During London Art Week it was exhibited by Trinity Fine Art at its Mayfair premises along with dealership Kunstkammer Georg Laue, which offered it at Frieze Masters last year.
However, the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA) determined that a serious intention to raise the requisite £750,000 had not materialised by the July 11 deadline and the export licence was issued.
The RCEWA is an independent body that works with The Arts Council to determine whether objects intended for export after purchase are in fact national importance and worth retaining. Many are saved every year – recently the ‘lost’ portrait of a young Charles Dickens and Turner’s Walton Bridges, for example – but others fail to raise the necessary interest or funds.
Sargent, Darwin and Joseph Wright
Also recently cleared for export was John Singer Sargent’s In the Austrian Tyrol, a £5.75m First World War painting that had previously been on long-term loan to the National Museum of Wales. The licence application had been deferred until May 31.
Three manuscript leaves by Charles Darwin, Joseph Wright of Derby’s An Academy by Lamplight and a bust of Peace by Antonio Canova are among the other works that have been issued export licences this year.
