Paris announced on Tuesday that the work, classified as a “
national treasure
” in France and estimated at 165 million euros, 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. "
Now is the opportunity to acquire a last Rembrandt of this caliber,
" he added.
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.
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The purchase, which has yet to be cleared by the Dutch Parliament, 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 is now returning home for good,
" said Dutch Minister of Culture Ingrid van Engelshoven, quoted in the press release.
“
For generations, we have dreamed of bringing the
Standard
Bearer
back
to our country,
” said Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, which houses 22 of Rembrandt's 340 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.
