U.K. blocks export of painting

A temporary export ban imposed on a Raphael painting has been extended by the government of the United Kingdom to provide a last chance to keep the work there.

The new ban on Raphael’s “Madonna of the Pinks” is causing consternation at the J. Paul Getty Museum, which has been trying to acquire the 16th century painting. Last November, London’s financially strapped National Gallery launched a campaign to match the Getty’s offer of an estimated $50 million for the painting, currently owned by the Duke of Northumberland. The new ban extends the deadline for the National Gallery to raise sufficient funds from Feb. 27 to Aug. 27; it also allows the owner to entertain other offers.

While the attempt to keep the painting in England was no surprise, Getty Museum director Deborah Gribbon said the institution is “not happy” about it. “It’s not unexpected, but the length of time is atypical. This means at least a seven-month delay,” she said. “We’ll abide by their procedure, but we hope the summer brings us good news.”

-- Diane Haithman