Spain bans export of a Sorolla. Heirs: it would be an economic loss

Fin de jornada, a painting by Joaquín Sorolla has been declared a “work of special importance to Spanish historical heritage,” so it cannot leave Spain. The complaint made by Eduardo Lorente-Sorolla, heir of the famous painter, was therefore rejected by the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid (TSJM), so he cannot sell the painting abroad. The ruling admits the appeal, but is in favor of the reasons stated by the Ministry of Culture.

Fin de Jornada is one of the best works made by Sorolla during his stay in Jávea, in the Valencian community, in the summer of 1900. Few significant works from that period of his life exist in Spanish public collections-so the Ministry of Culture hints that the painting should become part of some museum in Spain.

The canvas has belonged to the Sorolla family since the famous Spanish artist created it. However, no buyers have been found in Spain willing to buy it at the desired price: five million euros; the highest amount with which a Sorolla has been bought in Spain is one and a half million euros, in 1990. Incidentally, the canvas in question is now on display at the National Gallery in London for the exhibition Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light until July 7, 2019.

According to appraisals, the estimate reached does not exceed four million euros, but the family has stated that the ban on selling the work abroad will cause economic damage to its estate, because the value of the painting will be reduced by 10 percent if it is not sold in the international market.

Pictured: Joaquín Sorolla, Fin de jornada (1900)

Spain bans export of a Sorolla. Heirs: it would be an economic loss

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