The British government has temporarily blocked the export from the United Kingdom of Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi’s *Seated Nymph*—known as“the Elder”—offering museums and galleries in the country the opportunity to acquire the sculpture and keep it on British soil. Interested institutions have until December 17, 2026, to express their interest and secure the necessary funds to purchase the work, which has been valued at 4.6 million pounds—equivalent to approximately 5.36 million euros—plus VAT.
The initiative concerns a bronze statuette created over 500 years ago, just under 20 centimeters tall, characterized by hair and drapery gilded with mercury. The sculpture is attributed to Antico, an Italian artist active between the late 15th and early 16th centuries and known for his meticulous attention to detail and the finish of his works. The Seated Nymph is considered one of his most significant works.
The female figure is rendered on a small scale and was likely designed to be held in the hand and rotated, so it could be viewed from different angles. She wears a tiara on her head, a detail that has led to speculation that she may represent a deity, such as Venus. The characteristics of the work reflect the style of l’Antico, a creator of small bronze sculptures intended for collecting and close viewing.
The British government’s decision was adopted following a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), the committee responsible for evaluating requests to export works of art and objects of cultural interest. In the case of theSeated Nymph“ ,” the committee determined that the sculpture met the second and third Waverley criteria, relating respectively to its exceptional aesthetic importance and its significance for the study of the history of sculpture collecting in the United Kingdom.
The RCEWA’s assessment also takes into account the work’s particular importance within the context of the Bedford Collection and its significance for the study of the relationships among the various models based on ancient originals. The decision therefore takes into account not only the characteristics of the statuette but also its role in the history of British collecting and in our understanding of the Italian sculptor’s work.
The export ban is temporary for the time being. The decision regarding the license application to remove the sculpture from the country has been postponed for an initial period ending on December 17, 2026; during this time, the British government is accepting expressions of interest from a qualified prospective buyer willing to acquire the work at the set price. The asking price is 4,600,000 pounds, approximately 5,360,000 euros, plus VAT of 166,666.67 pounds, equal to approximately 194,400 euros.
At the end of the first standstill period, the owners will have an additional 15 business days to review any purchase offers at the recommended price. If an option agreement is signed, a second standstill period of five months will begin. The goal of the procedure is to enable a museum or other institution in the United Kingdom to raise the necessary funds and acquire *The Seated Nymph*, thereby keeping it in the country and making it available to the public.
“This statuette is small but of great importance. Its detail and refinement make it an exceptional work. I hope this export ban will help keep this valuable sculpture in the country, where the public can also appreciate its beauty,” said Minister for the Arts, Ruth Mackenzie.
“Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi, known as ‘l’Antico,’ forever linked his fame to his skill in imitating classical antiquity,” said RCEWA member Stuart Lochhead. “He developed an extremely sophisticated technique for creating bronze statuettes with refined finishes, becoming one of the leading artists at the court of Mantua. The Seated Nymph is one of his most beautiful creations, embellished with gilded hair and drapery, as well as inlaid silver eyes. The sculpture was rediscovered in the sculpture collection at Woburn Abbey. The export of this exquisite sculpture from the United Kingdom would constitute a serious loss, depriving the public of a work by an exceptionally rare and highly regarded sculptor.”
 |
| The United Kingdom blocks the export of the "Seated Nymph from Antiquity": it is valued at 5.36 million euros |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
IT
FR
DE
ES
CN
