UK blocks export of 71 million pound Rembrandt portrait to keep it in national collection

Export deferral and valuation

The British government has placed a temporary export ban on a 1657 portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn valued at 71 million pounds, equivalent to approximately 82.8 million euros. The Department for Culture enacted the veto following an application for an export licence submitted for an undisclosed destination. Designated as a national treasure, the artwork represents the most expensive item ever subject to a UK export deferral. Austrian reports cited a valuation of 71.7 million pounds, or roughly 83 million euros. Under British heritage regulations, the export suspension will remain in place until at least 26 December 2026. This deferral provides domestic institutions, galleries, and private collectors the opportunity to assemble sufficient funding to match the purchase price and prevent the portrait from leaving the country.

Artwork provenance and previous sales

Titled Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet, the canvas depicts an affluent Amsterdam woman seated in a black dress trimmed with a white collar and white bonnet. The British government described the portrait as one of Rembrandt's most exceptional late works. The painting has resided in the United Kingdom since the middle of the 18th century, spending much of that time in a private collection with a long-term owner based in Wales. In 2015, the Welsh owner sold the canvas at a Sotheby's auction for 35 million pounds to an anonymous foreign buyer. A temporary export restriction was placed on the canvas at that time, but British institutions failed to raise the necessary funds to retain it. Despite the unsuccessful domestic fundraising campaign, the buyer decided at the time to keep the painting on British territory. The artwork was sold again last year in a private deal handled by Christie's for 71 million pounds, a figure confirmed by the auction house on Friday.

Cultural appeal and public access

British authorities are encouraging eligible galleries, public museums, and philanthropic benefactors to register their interest before the December deadline. The Department for Culture stated that the main objective is to preserve the painting within the United Kingdom and ensure long-term public access. Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie called upon cultural organizations, donors, and Rembrandt admirers to participate in the acquisition effort.

The scale, beauty and history of this masterpiece make it vital that cultural partners, funders, patrons and Rembrandt admirers contribute to keeping this work in its rightful historical place in the United Kingdom.

Mackenzie noted that the portrait has maintained a continuous presence across the cultural landscape of the country.

The work has been an integral part of British cultural life for centuries.

If an eligible domestic buyer expresses formal interest by 26 December 2026, the government can grant a second deferral period to allow full funding to be assembled.