UK Temporarily Bans $13M Cézanne Painting From Leaving The Country

Ferme Normandy, Été (Hattenville), a beautiful landscape painting by Paul Cézanne in 1882, has been temporarily barred from leaving the country after its long-term loan at the Courtauld Gallery ended—and no, it hasn’t committed any crimes.

The work, which is one of four depictions of a site in Normandy acquired by Cézanne’s first major patron, Victor Chocquet, had been at the gallery since 1980 and is estimated to be worth £10 million (US$13 million).

UK’s Export Reviewing Committee for Art Council England issued the export deferral for the piece last year, in hopes of allowing public institutions in the country to raise enough funds to officially buy the painting. 

According to ARTnews, only three months are left on the calendar, as the work is scheduled to leave the country’s borders in July 2022. 

Authorities said the painting “once formed part of the most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art” in the country as part of the Samuel Courtauld Collection, which has been credited with playing “a critical role” in the appreciation of international modern art in the nation. 

“Paul Cézanne was one of the most important post-impressionist painters and influenced the likes of Matisse and Picasso. This stunning work marks an important moment in his career as his style and use of brushstroke developed in a new direction,” said Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay.

“I hope a UK buyer comes forward so it can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come,” he added.

[via ARTnews and UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, cover image via Wikimedia Commons  (public domain)]