Temporary Export Ban on Loyd Collection Botticelli
May 10 2025
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The UK Government has announced a temporary export ban on Sandro Botticelli's The Virgin and Child enthroned, which was sold from the Loyd Collection at Sotheby's London last year for £9.96m (inc. commission). Any interested UK institution has until 8th August 2025 to find £10.2m (which includes VAT) to keep the painting in the country.
According to their press release:
Christopher Baker, Committee member:
Dating from the early 1470s, this affecting devotional work, demonstrates the sophistication of Botticelli’s painting early in his career in Florence. Probably intended to inspire private prayer in a domestic setting, it is an image that has a wider resonance as it delicately explores the power of maternal love.
The cult of, or enthusiasm for Botticelli, of which it formed a part, had grown during the Victorian era and the painting arrived in Britain in 1904; it was acquired by Lady Wantage and entered the renowned Lloyd collection.
Further research on the placement of Botticelli’s work in his career and the organisation of his workshop, as well as links with the wider context of Florentine Renaissance art would all be of enormous benefit. In view of these intriguing possibilities every effort should be made to try and secure this beguiling painting for a British collection.
