Courtesy of NMGW & National Trust

The artwork Landscape with Arched Gateway by Dutch artist Adam Pynacker will remain in the collection at Penrhyn Castle at Bangor after being bought for more than �317,000.

The oil painting, considered one of the finest Old Masters paintings in Wales, was bought jointly by the National Galleries and Museums of Wales (NMGW) and the National Trust.

It was in danger of being sold off along with other art treasures that have been part of the collection at Penrhyn Castle since the 19th century.

The National Art Collections Fund helped buy the painting with a grant of �83,000.

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It highlights the most important art collection formed in Wales during the 19th century Julie Richards, NMGW

"If it had not been for the contribution of the Art Fund there was a real danger the painting would go to auction and sold to a private collection outside of Wales or even Britain," said Julie Richards from the National Galleries and Museums of Wales.

The oil landscape was bought originally in 1861 by the first Lord Penrhyn, Colonel Edward Douglas-Pennant, for display at Penrhyn Castle.

When the castle became the property of the National Trust in 1951, most of the pictures remained in the possession of Lord Penrhyn's descendants and were placed on loan to the castle.

Following the death of Lady Janet Douglas-Pennant, some of the pictures have been sold off.

'Golden light effects'

But this picture, painted around 1654, has now been preserved for the future.

Ms Richards added: "Landscape with Arched Gateway is one of the principal works from the earlier part of Pynacker's career.

"It is typical of his style during his first years back in Holland.

"Its joint acquisition with the National Trust enables the National Museum and Gallery to display a fine Dutch Italianeta painting on a regular basis in Wales.

"It highlights the most important art collection formed in Wales during the 19th century," she said.

She added: "Pynacker is thought to have visited Italy in the late 1640s and his work is distinguished by handsome composition and golden light effects."

Welsh slate industry

Penrhyn Castle was built in the 1820s and 1830s and is considered the most ambitious monument of the Norman Revival style.

It was built for George Dawkins-Pennant and most of the pictures were acquired by his heir, Colonel Edward Douglas-Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn (1800 - 1886) thanks to huge profits made in the Welsh slate industry.

The landscape will be on show at the National Museum and Gallery in Cardiff for five years then will alternate between Penrhyn Castle and Cardiff.