Saint John the Evangelist entered the UK at the start of the 19th century, and has spent the past 100 years hanging in the organ room at Glyndebourne Opera House
The Culture Minister has banned a 17th century depiction of a Saint regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of Italian artwork in the UK from being sold after the owners of Glyndebourne Opera House announced plans to sell it in a £9 million deal.
Saint John the Evangelist, a painting by Domenico Zampieri described as a "monumental masterpiece epitomising the grandeur and nobility of Roman Baroque". It was put up for sale by the Christie family in December last year, offering international art collectors the chance to prise the piece from the Sussex home where it has stayed for more than a century.
Margaret Hodge has now placed a temporary export bar on the work, acting on the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, who said it should stay in the UK due to its "outstanding aesthetic importance."
"Although Domenichino is well-represented in UK collections, none of those other paintings can match the grandeur and sheer physical force of Saint John the Evangelist," said Committee Member Professor David Ekserdjian, observing the immense size and rich colours of the piece.
"It is the best work by the artist remaining in private hands and its departure from the UK would be lamentable."
Measuring two metres by two-and-a-half metres, Saint John shows the biblical figure in a moment of revelation, lifting his eyes towards an apparent point of inspiration with his pen held poised.
Known as Il Domenichino, Zampieri became one of the most important Italian religious artists of his era.
The canvas will rank just outside the top 10 most expensive Old Master sales of all time if its value is realised.
Bidders who declare their interest by April 21 will be given a further three months to raise the funds.
