Chance to keep guardi masterpiece in the uk

News story CHANCE TO KEEP GUARDI MASTERPIECE IN THE UK Temporary export bar placed on 1768 painting of Venice's famous Rialto Bridge. This was published under the 2010 to 2015

Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government An 18th-century depiction of Venice’s famous Rialto Bridge could be lost to the nation unless a UK buyer can be found. Culture Minister

Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on the Francesco Guardi painting Venice, a View of the Rialto Bridge from the Fondamenta del Carbon to provide a chance to raise the money to

keep it in the country. The ruling follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, which highlighted the painting’s

aesthetic importance and significance for the study of the development of Guardi and Venetian view painting. Guardi was the last great native view painter of Venice and subsequent artists,

including Turner, were inspired by his example. “This noble painting represents Francesco Guardi on the grand scale, emulating Canaletto and Bellotto,” said Reviewing Committee member Simon

Swynfen Jervis. “Whether it was patterns of patronage or his own inclination which later impelled him towards a smaller scale and lighter touch, the View of the Rialto demonstrates that in

1768 he could impress as well as delight.” The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for a period ending on 16 January 2012 inclusive. This could be

extended until 16 July if a serious bid is being made to raise funds to buy the painting at its recommended price of nearly £26.7 million. Details about how to buy the painting can be found

on the press release. FURTHER INFORMATION * Press release with further details * More details about the painting * Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural

Interest SHARE THIS PAGE The following links open in a new tab * Share on Facebook (opens in new tab) * Share on Twitter (opens in new tab) UPDATES TO THIS PAGE Published 17 October 2011