The Triumph of Love (above) sees Cupid take on a lion. Picture © Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, courtesy The National Gallery, London
A "haunting" 16th century Titian painting of Cupid taming an enraged lion will become the centrepiece of Oxford University's redeveloped Ashmolean Museum after being bought for more than £1 million under a government loophole allowing unsettled inheritance taxes to be spent on important artworks.
The Triumph of Love was given to Gabriel Vendramin by the Venetian master in the mid 1540s, and will be seen for the first time since 1960 when it goes on temporary display at The National Gallery, where experts have carried out detailed scientific examination to reveal Titian’s brushmarks and sketches beneath the canvas.
Museum Director Christopher Brown said the arrival would have "huge appeal to a wide public" in Renaissance displays planned for the new £61 million Ashmolean when it reopens in November 2009. "We are delighted that our collaboration with the National Gallery has revealed so much about this fascinating and rare painting," he added.
The acquisition settled £619,856 under the Acceptance of Lieu scheme, with the Museum contributing a further £430,144, including an £180,000 donation by The Art Fund.
The underdrawing (above) has been revealed by scientists from The National Gallery. Picture © Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, courtesy The National Gallery, London
"The acceptance of this painting has only been possible because of the combined efforts of Government and private donors and again demonstrates what is possible when the tax system acts as an encouragement to private philanthropy," said Andrew Motion, Chair of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
"This haunting image of Cupid having subdued the fierce lion is a wonderful acquisition for the Ashmolean Museum and will be a major attraction."
The Triumph of Love will become the second Titian work acquired Museum, nine years after the Portrait of Giacomo Doria became the most expensive purchase when it was bought at Christie’s for nearly £2.5 million.
"This is a fine acquisition saved for the whole nation," said Culture Minister Barbara Follett. "I am particularly pleased that this beautiful painting will find a permanent home in a great museum in the English regions."
The painting goes on display in Room One of the National Gallery, London, from July 21 – September 20 2009. Admission free. For more on the reopening of the Ashmolean Museum visit the Ashmolean online.
