ANP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
There will be a licensing system for the export of outstanding works of art. This should prevent art from disappearing from the Netherlands, which perhaps could have been preserved for our country.
Uslu State Secretary of Culture largely follows the advice of two committees, led by former D66 leader Bad luck and former CDA leader Van Haersma Buma.
The committees felt that stricter rules should be introduced for the export of important Dutch art abroad. The immediate cause of their reports was the commotion aroused in 2019 when a 1608 drawing by Peter Paul Rubens was offered at an auction in New York. The work was revealed to be in Princess Christina’s possession.
Independent commission
Uslu writes to the House of Representatives that an export license must henceforth be required for works of art that meet certain value or age thresholds. There is already such an obligation for exports outside the European Union. But in the future the license will also be required for export to EU countries.
An independent committee must advise whether a work is irreplaceable and indispensable. If so, Dutch parties, including the government, museums and private individuals can see if they are willing and able to buy it. Otherwise, the work can still be sold abroad.
‘Don’t Disrupt the Art Market’
According to the Uslu it is a fundamental revision that foresees a greater involvement of the government. The Secretary of State does not expect the new rules to apply to large quantities of works, because she says she does not want to upset the art market. “We will really talk about exceptional situations, very special and unique pieces”.
The new system requires changing the law and Uslu believes it will take several years for all the measures to take effect.
