A painting by the Flemish Old Master Sir Anthony van Dyck is to take up home at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
The acquisition has been announced by Glasgow Life which runs the city’s arts venues.
Marchesa Lomellini is the first van Dyck to enter the City’s collection.
It will go on show in the West End on November 18.
The painting is a huge boon for the gallery and is expected to draw the crowds.
Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald, said: “We are thrilled to accept this significant painting.
“Acquisitions are a source of excitement, celebration and inspiration and now more than ever, they highlight the contribution art and culture play in peoples’ wellbeing.
“Until now Glasgow did not have a painting by van Dyck.
“This portrait, by an internationally important Old Master painter, greatly strengthens our world-class fine art collection and connects well with other paintings we have on show.
'International importance'
“Not only will it attract much attention from regular visitors, but given the excellent standard of the painting, together with the international importance of the artist, it is likely to draw tourists from across the world now they are safely able to travel to Glasgow once again.”
Painted in Italy between 1621 and 1627 it features a young Marchesa Lomellini, a member of the noble Lomellini family of Genoa.
The striking portrait showcases van Dyck’s skilful ability to depict lifelike human expressions and intricate costume.
The painting will be on display in the Looking at Art gallery in Kelvingrove.
The artwork comes from the collection of Sir Ilay Mark Campbell, 7th Baronet of Succouth (1927-2017) and Lady Campbell.
Lady Campbell and her family generously offered the painting to Glasgow Museums Collection, which is cared for by Glasgow Life, as part of the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme, administered by Arts Council on behalf of the UK Government.
“Not only will it attract much attention from regular visitors, but given the excellent standard of the painting, together with the international importance of the artist, it is likely to draw tourists from across the world now they are safely able to travel to Glasgow once again”
Cllr David McDonald
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture Angus Robertson said: “The Acceptance in Lieu scheme is an excellent way to enrich the range of internationally renowned paintings and artefacts that are available for everyone in Scotland to enjoy.
“The donation of Sir Anthony Van Dyck’s unique Portrait of A Lady to Glasgow for display at its Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is extremely welcome, particularly as it is the first painting by this artist to enter the city’s collection. This is an important and valuable acquisition, one which I hope will give great joy to many people.”
The painting was loaned to the gallery just after the war (1946-76) before it was inherited by the late Sir Ilay Campbell of Succoth.
The painting will be at home amongst Glasgow Museums’ other great Dutch and Flemish portraits, including notable examples by Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Hans, van der Helst and self-portraits by Rembrandt and Flinck.
Van Dyck was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1599 and went on to become one of the most important painters of the 17th century.
His works were influenced by fellow Flemish artist Rubens and other European painters, most notably Italian artist Titian.
