Bellotto's Königstein Fortress Saved for UK by National Gallery

The National Gallery in London has acquired Bernardo Bellotto's "La Fortezza di Königstein vista da Nord" for £11.67 million, preventing its export from the UK. The 18th-century painting, part of a series of five large-scale views of Königstein fortress near Dresden, was commissioned by Augustus III of Poland and Saxony. The purchase was made possible through a joint public-private effort, including a bequest from Mrs. Madeline Swallow, contributions from Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, the Manny and Brigitta Davidson Charitable Foundation, the Sackler Trust, a £550,000 grant from the Art Fund, and support from the American Friends of the National Gallery and the National Gallery Trust. UK Culture Minister Matt Hancock had previously suspended the export license to allow the museum time to raise funds. National Gallery director Gabriele Finaldi praised the acquisition, noting Bellotto's significance as a painter who worked across European capitals. The painting will be displayed alongside works by Canaletto and Francesco Guardi starting in 2018, with a nationwide exhibition and educational program planned.