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A rare painting of the nativity created more than 500 years ago by Baldassare Peruzzi has been saved by the government as a “Christmas gift for the nation” after an export ban was imposed.
The Nativity, the only work by Peruzzi in the UK, will go on display in Northern Ireland next year. It was acquired by National Museums NI after funds were raised to buy the work from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, Department for Communities NI and the Esme Mitchell Trust.
The painting, valued at £277,990, had an export bar placed on it last year by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Cultural items considered too important to leave the UK may be placed under an export bar.
The DCMS said at the time: “An extraordinarily rare painting depicting the nativity is at risk of leaving the country unless a UK buyer can be found to save the work for the nation.
