Cabinet room gives space to buy Rembrandts – nrc.nl

Culture

The House of Representatives, the Cabinet a free hand for the purchase of two Rembrandts. Minister Bussemaker of Education, Culture and Science (PvdA) expects meanwhile rapid clarity on a joint purchase by the Netherlands and France.

A majority of groups was with the Cabinet agreed that anyhow should also avoid the portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit from 1634 sold by the French branch of the Rothschild family to wealthy individuals in “China or the Gulf states.” Only 50Plus, PVV and think felt that the money could be better spent on other things, such as the elderly.

That turned out tonight during a slotted debate about 80 million euros which will pave the government for the acquisition of the two wedding portraits. The Lower House approved the reservation of this amount, even though it is not yet clear whether the Netherlands acquires either working, or only one. The Rothschilds ask 160 million for the two portraits.

Two options

Minister Bussemaker acknowledged that there are two options in the purchase process. The first is that the Rijksmuseum acquires two works by contributions from the Dutch state, funds and private individuals. Museum director Wim Pijbes endeavors here since March, for in. He was besides the money from the state and 12.5 million of the Rembrandt Association and the BankGiro Lottery still 67.5 million should collect pensions. With the Ministry of Finance, he has made about tax relief for individuals who want to contribute.

Bussemakerhuis said during the debate that they feared it would fail to acquire the Rembrandt despite the efforts of Pijbes.

“I have enormous admiration for the Rijksmuseum and I know they are capable of a lot, but get 160 million together in a limited time is a Herculean task.”

France involved

That’s why she discussed in the summer with her French colleague Fleur Pellerin, the second option: the Netherlands and France work together buy. They asked the Rothschild family this opportunity also to take into consideration. About this scenario seems to be clarified soon. “We hope the final decision on this in the shortest possible time to” messages, Bussemaker said.

France participates, the government wants still trying to pick up a portion of the purchase price on funds and wealthy individuals . “Why should it come up from the state as well as other recognized Rembrandt aficionados can contribute?”, Said Minister Dijsselbloem (PvdA, Finance)

“Our intent is to also from the private means to have come a contribution and thus the amount of 80 million would be borne entirely by the state. “

The money that is left over will flow into the state coffers.

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