US gallery banned from purchasing Joseph Wright painting Published duration 18 October 2019

image copyright Lowell Libson and Jonny Yarker Ltd image caption The J. Paul Getty announced its intention to buy Two Boys with a Bladder in June

The government has blocked a US gallery from buying a painting by renowned British artist Joseph Wright.

Arts Minister Helen Whately placed a temporary export bar on Two Boys with a Bladder after the Los Angeles-based J. Paul Getty Museum agreed a purchase.

She said it was "of paramount importance" Wright's works were kept in the UK.

The painting dates back to the 1769 and features two children with a pig's bladder - a popular toy at the time.

Joseph Wright of Derby is considered one of the most important artists of the 18th Century and is known for his paintings of candle-lit subjects as well as scientific and industrial subjects.

Born in 1734, he trained in London but produced most of his work in Derby and as such was the first major English painter to be based outside the capital.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Born in Derby in 1734, Wright's paintings are displayed across the world

It said the artwork had not been displayed in public since the 18th Century and was one of Wright's "most accomplished nocturnal subjects".

After taking advice from Arts Council England, the government placed an export ban until 16 January in the hope a UK buyer will come forward for the £3.5m-valued painting.

Ms Whately said: "This painting offers us a chance to learn more about his way of working and I hope a buyer can be found to save this masterpiece so it can be studied and put on public display."

Derby's Joseph Wright Gallery, which already owns 27 paintings by Wright, told The Telegraph in June it could not afford to buy Two Boys with a Bladder.

The J. Paul Getty Museum said: "We respect the British export process and look forward to a positive resolution."

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