Rothschild Treasures Enter Prestigious Collections
Two major works from the Rothschild estate enter UK national collections, honouring a legacy of art, philanthropy and public service.
The life and legacy of Jacob, 4th Baron Rothschild (1936–2024), are being celebrated through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, with two important works entering national collections.
Guercino’s King David (1651), a luminous Baroque masterpiece once housed at Spencer House and later Waddesdon Manor, joins the National Gallery.
It is now reunited with its companion pieces, The Cumaean Sibyl and The Samian Sibyl, for only the second time since their creation.
At the V&A, John Deare’s rare marble relief Edward and Eleanor (1790), depicting a legendary act of devotion by Eleanor of Castile, is set to go on public display for the first time.
The work is a highlight of Deare’s limited but exceptional output and will feature in the museum’s 2025 international sculpture conference.
A visionary patron, Lord Rothschild held leadership roles at the National Gallery, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Waddesdon Manor, championing the arts, heritage and education both in Britain and abroad.
These acquisitions, valued at over £6.7 million in settled tax, are a lasting tribute to his cultural philanthropy and commitment to public art.
