(The Hague) A letter of intent was signed Wednesday between the Netherlands and the Rothschild family for the sale of the Standard bearer de Rembrandt, for which the Dutch state is prepared to pay 150 million euros ($ 215 million), the Culture Ministry has confirmed.
If Parliament agrees to release this sum, the work will therefore be “for the first time in the hands of the Netherlands,” Michiel Hendrikx, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, told AFP. “Optimistic” about the support of the deputies.
“It is a unique opportunity” to acquire a last Rembrandt of this caliber, he added, rejoicing that the Netherlands “managed to seize it”.
Paris announced on Tuesday that the work, classified as a “national treasure” in France and estimated at 165 million euros ($ 236 million), would be able to be put back on the art market, the French state having finally given up on its acquisition.
” The Standard bearer is one of Rembrandt’s absolute masterpieces and is inextricably linked with the history of the Netherlands, ”the Dutch Ministry of Culture said in a statement.
“For centuries, the masterpiece has been in private possession, notably by the King of England and since 1844 by the De Rothschild family,” he continued.
This painting, a self-portrait painted in 1636 at the age of 30 by the Dutch painter, belongs to private owners, members of the Rothschild family, who wish to sell it.
The purchase will be a combination of public and private funding. The Rembrandt Association will contribute 15 million euros and the Rijksmuseum Fund 10 million euros.
“After a journey of several centuries, the Standard bearer now go home for good, ”said Dutch Minister of Culture Ingrid van Engelshoven, quoted in the press release.
“For generations, we have dreamed of bringing back the Standard bearer in our country, ”said Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which houses 22 of Rembrandt’s 340 or so paintings.
“The quality and the fact that this painting marks Rembrandt’s artistic breakthrough makes it an unparalleled work of the master,” added Mr. Dibbits.