Introduction

In a years-long legal tussle, an enigmatic man in his 80s, known in court documents as A.B., has emerged victorious in his battle against the French Ministry of Culture. The dispute revolved around A.B.’s desire to sell a rare drawing of Saint Sebastian by the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci, an artwork he had inherited from his father. The French Ministry of Culture initially denied him an export license, contending that the drawing was a national treasure. However, the recent court decision has paved the way for A.B. to proceed with the sale.

The Da Vinci Drawing: A National Treasure

The artwork in question is a two-sided sketch featuring Saint Sebastian tied to a tree. Notably, the reverse side of the drawing is adorned with da Vinci’s notes and diagrams related to his exploration of light and shadow. Due to the drawing’s significant value, French law mandates that sellers obtain export licenses for exceptionally valuable works of art and cultural goods that may be considered “of national importance.” This also grants the French government the right to match any offer made on such a work before it can leave the country.

Initial Denial and Louvre Offer

In 2016, A.B. made the initial request for an export license, intending to sell the da Vinci drawing at the TAJAN auction house in Paris. However, the French Ministry of Culture rejected the request, asserting that the artwork held the status of a national treasure. They also offered to purchase the drawing on behalf of the Louvre for €10 million ($10.6 million), an offer that A.B. declined.

Appraisal and Accusations

Subsequently, the drawing underwent appraisal by two specialists, with one representing the ministry and the other representing A.B. The experts valued the artwork at approximately $15.6 million. Despite the increased appraisal, the ministry chose not to pursue the drawing in the traditional manner. In 2021, when A.B. reapplied for an export license, then-Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot implied that the work might have been stolen. She demanded that A.B. prove the legitimacy of his acquisition.

Legal Challenge and Victory

Through legal representation, A.B. countered the accusation with a letter to the ministry before submitting another export license application. Unfortunately, his request was ignored by Bachelot’s ministry, compelling A.B. to seek an injunction through the court system. Last week, the court ruled in favour of A.B., granting the injunction and ordering the ministry to issue the export license within 60 days. The ministry was also directed to cover A.B.’s €2,000 ($2,120) legal costs.

Conclusion

The legal saga surrounding the rare Da Vinci drawing has culminated in a victory for its owner, A.B. With the court’s decision, he can proceed with the sale of the valuable artwork, marking the end of a protracted legal battle with the French Ministry of Culture. This case underscores the complex and often contentious issues that can arise in the art world, particularly when national treasures and international sales are involved.

The Dreams of Leonardo Da Vinci: The Vulture Fantasy From a Memory of his Childhood