A rare Renaissance bronze sculpture valued at £4.6 million has been temporarily blocked from leaving the UK, giving museums and galleries time to try to keep the historic artwork in the country.

The sculpture, Seated Nymph, was created around 1503 by Italian Renaissance artist Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi, known as Antico. The small bronze is just under 20cm high and features mercury-gilded hair and drapery and silver-inlaid eyes.

The UK government's temporary export bar follows advice from the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The committee identified the sculpture as having outstanding aesthetic importance and significance for the history of sculpture collecting in Britain.

UK museums and galleries have until 17 December 2026 to come forward with an offer at the recommended price of £4.6 million plus VAT. A further deferral period can follow if an acquisition agreement is reached.

The sculpture was previously associated with the Dukes of Bedford and Woburn Abbey and was sold at Sotheby's in London in 2009. Its history and craftsmanship have made it a significant object within Britain's cultural-heritage collections.

The case highlights the UK's system for protecting culturally significant artworks and the continuing role of museums and galleries in preserving important pieces for public display.