UK places export bar on £71m Rembrandt, the priciest 'national treasure' ever

The UK government barred export of Rembrandt's 'Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet' (1657), valued at £71 million — the highest sum the DCMS has ever attached to a work given national treasure status. The painting has been in the UK since the mid-18th century. The bar expires on 26 December 2026; a nine-month extension may follow if a serious buyer emerges.