Work of national value

What is a work of national value?

It is a work of such exceptional importance to a given country that the state blocks its export abroad. The aim is that the most precious things stay at home so that future generations can encounter them too. Put simply, it is a treasure the country does not want to let leave its borders.

How does it work?

When a work of exceptional value appears and there is a risk of it going abroad, the state can suspend or forbid its export. That creates the time and space for the work to be acquired for domestic collections. Often a public institution joins forces with a private patron, since on its own it would frequently be unable to afford such a costly purchase.

Why does it matter to a collector?

It is precisely with the most important works that a collector can easily find themselves buying a work they will not then be free to export. The status of national value therefore fundamentally affects what can be done with a work and where it may stay. It pays to know in advance whether this is such a case.

Can you give an example?

When the rescue of an important work is being addressed abroad, a public collection joins forces with a private patron — as when the Louvre leaned on LVMH to buy a Chardin. The public institution provides the expertise and a home for the work, the patron adds the money. Together they keep the work accessible to the public and in the country where it belongs.

— Anna Pulkertová, founder of Art Part Club