|
The First Art Newspaper on the Net |
|
Established in 1996 |
|
Saturday, November 23, 2024 |
|
A temporary export bar has been placed on a late 15th century bronze roundel valued at £17 million |
|
|
Outstanding piece in exemplary condition depicts Venus Roman goddess of Love.
|
LONDON.- Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has deferred the export of an exceptionally rare Italian roundel created in Mantua more than 500 years ago.
The richly decorated roundel, valued at £17 million, has been expertly crafted from bronze and is in exemplary condition despite its significant age with vibrant silvered features and mercury gilding. Although the artist is not known, experts reviewing the artefact believe it was created by at least two sculptors of significant talent.
Venus, the Roman goddess of Love, is depicted on the roundel surrounded by her lover Mars, husband Vulcan and son Cupid. The mythological references in the design, and the quality of the relief, reveal the sophistication of the patron and the artists understanding of the classical past.
The roundel is larger, more complex and more refined than other examples produced in Mantua at the same time which are currently in British collections. The decision to defer the export will give a UK buyer the opportunity to acquire the exceptional piece.
Caroline Dinenage, Culture Minister, said: This piece is a stunning combination of myth and mystery. I hope a UK buyer can be found so that researchers can reveal its secrets and the public can see this striking design on display.
The Ministers decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). The committee noted that the size and unique composition made roundel extremely technically interesting, as well as an object of outstanding beauty.
Stuart Lochead, RCEWA Committee member, said: Of an exceptional size and of the highest possible quality this beguiling gilt and silvered bronze roundel represents the best of a highly sophisticated and intellectual humanist circle of artists and patrons active in Northern Italy in the late 15th to early 16th century.
Yet many of its secrets are still to be revealed. While it shows clear links to Mantegna and Donatello, it is hoped that further study might reveal who designed and produced it and for whom and therefore contribute to advancing knowledge of the period.
The remarkable craftmanship, aesthetics and mystery of this sculpture is captivating and its export from the United Kingdom and subsequent loss to the nation would be a misfortune.
The RCEWA made its recommendation on the grounds that, as well as being breath-taking in both beauty and grandeur, the roundel was significant for the study of North Italian bronze sculpture in the late 15th century and the history of English collecting in the mid-18th century when it first arrived in Britain.
The decision on the export licence application for the roundel will be deferred until 27 September 2021. This may be extended until 27 March 2022 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of £17,000,000 plus VAT of £3,400,000.
Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister for Digital and Culture. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.
|
|
Today's News
June 2, 2021
French heir gives Pissarro stolen by the Nazis to a U.S. university
Kafka letters, drawings made publicly available online
Hindman's May Antiquities and Ancient Art Auction realizes over $1 million
Rijksmuseum receives exceptional seascape by Ludolf Bakhuysen
Searching for Gertrude Bell, colonial 'mother' of modern Iraq
First European physical art event after Covid lockdowns, now doubled in size
A temporary export bar has been placed on a late 15th century bronze roundel valued at £17 million
The Hepworth Wakefield opens an expansive exhibition of Barbara Hepworth's work
Lines never felt so good: Crowds herald New York's reopening
Doyle to auction Fine Art on June 9
Charleston opens first Nina Hamnett retrospective
Christie's Classic Week presents Isaac Newton's Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica
Desde el Salón (From the Living Room): Sol Calero explores the Hiscox Collection
Original Spider-Man comic art heads to Heritage Auctions in June
Unique 1854 New Orleans gold coin returns home
Lord Nelson's protégé's rare gold naval medal estimated to fetch £60-80,000 at auction
Ketterer Kunst announces results of Rare Books Auction in Hamburg
Rag'n'Bone Man, Woodkid to top Montreux Jazz Festival
Cannes 'can't wait' for film fest after 'horrible' year
The new detectorists
Lance Loud was an early reality star. He was also a gay punk pioneer.
Raimund Hoghe, choreographer of strength and frailty, dies at 72
Bonhams announces new modern and contemporary art leadership in Asia
Bach's cello suites, now on violin, with a folksy feel
Parimatch: How to bet on basketball and win
Commercial and Residential Moving Solutions with Same Day and Next Day Booking Options in Utah
Perfect Online Moving Solutions for Commercial & Residential Moving Issues
Does vitamin C serum darken skin?
Top 10 Flower Stage Decoration Ideas for Weddings!!!
How to Create Your Own Lottery?
Modern Bathroom Renovation Tips To Inject Art Into Your Bathroom
|
|
|
|
|
Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography, Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs, Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, . |
|
|
|
Royalville Communications, Inc produces:
|
|
|
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful
|
|