The painting was purchased by a foreign buyer in 2011, but following advice from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, it was judged to be of outstanding cultural importance and was placed under a temporary export bar until 7 August 2012 by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey. Under the terms of a private treaty sale, the painting was made available to a British public institution for 27% of its market value.
The campaign received lead support of £5.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and a grant of £850,000 from The Art Fund. The final £1,080,000 was contributed via grants from trusts and foundations and from donations by 1,048 members of the public. It is the most significant acquisition in the Ashmolean’s history.
Having been acquired by the Ashmolean, Portrait of Mademoiselle Claus will be lent to public museums and galleries in a nationwide tour in 2013.
