Saved for the nation.
The National Gallery Development Department deserve a mighty slap on the back and possibly a month off having worked feverishly to scrape together the requisite millions to help keep Titian's "Diana & Actaeon" on public display rather than flogged off in a private sale or moved abroad. The joint acquisition by the Gallery and the National Galleries of Scotland means the painting will be on display in each gallery, for 5 years. We suspect Scotland gets it first.
But wait, no holidays for the flagging fundraisers - there's Diana and Callisto to secure too for a similar price in 4 years time.
Titian, 'Diana and Actaeon', 1556-9, bought jointly by the National Gallery and National Galleries of Scotland with contributions from The Scottish Government, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Monument Trust, The Art Fund and through public appeal, 2008. Photo © The National Galleries of Scotland.
