Rembrandt portrait gets UK export ban at £71.7m

The British government has temporarily blocked the export of a Rembrandt portrait valued at £71.7 million, giving a UK buyer time to try to keep the painting in the country and on public display.

The government announced Thursday that it had deferred a decision on an export licence for Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet until at least December 27. It said the pause is intended to allow a British museum or another appropriate buyer to express interest in acquiring the work by December 26.

The government said the painting is the most expensive object ever designated a UK national treasure. It did not say which country the export licence application concerned.

Painted in 1657, the oil portrait shows Catrina Hooghsaet in a white cap and collar and dark gown. The government described it as one of Rembrandt’s most exceptional later works.

The same painting was subject to a temporary export ban in 2015 after its long-term owner in Wales sold it privately at Sotheby’s to an unnamed overseas buyer for £35 million. Fundraising attempts failed, but the buyer kept the painting in the UK.

Christie’s confirmed Friday that the painting was again sold privately last year for £71 million.