UK blocks export of £71.7 million Rembrandt painting

The United Kingdom government has issued a temporary export block on Rembrandt van Rijn’s 1657 masterpiece, ‘Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet’, valued at approximately £71.7 million ($97.4 million). The decision designates the painting a ‘national treasure’ to prevent it from leaving the country following an export license application by an unidentified owner.

Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie stated that the work has been part of the UK’s cultural life for centuries, urging cultural institutions, philanthropists, and funders to help keep the masterpiece in its historical place. The export deferral is initially set to remain in effect until December 26, providing a window for a qualifying British buyer to match the required price of £71,696,324, plus VAT.

The portrait, which depicts an affluent member of Amsterdam’s Mennonite community, has been in the UK since the mid-18th century. A private sale of the work was brokered by Christie’s in 2025. The painting previously faced an export restriction in 2015 when it was sold for £35 million to an overseas collector who later loaned the work to the National Museum Cardiff.