The painting has been on display in Penrhyn Castle for 150 years

The Burgomaster of Delft, by artist Jan Steen, which dates from around 1655, has been owned by the Douglas-Pennant family, of Penrhyn Castle in Gwynedd, since the middle of the 19th Century.

The painting was sold in March for �8.1m and is going back to the artist's native Holland.

But on Tuesday Arts Minister Estelle Morris temporarily banned its export.

The painting is expected to be moved to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, unless the �8.1m can be matched by the UK.

Stephen Somerville, who negotiated the original sale for the Douglas-Pennant family said the government now has two months to come up with a credible interest in the painting.

Expensive painting

"If somebody came back and said here's a load of money it could stay in Wales or the UK," he said - refusing to comment if that was likely.

In a statement two months ago, the Rijksmuseum said it was the most expensive painting it had ever bought.

It was put up for sale in lieu of death duties following the death of Lady Janet Douglas-Pennant in 1997.

The National Trust, which owns Penrhyn Castle, was given the opportunity to buy the painting, as was the National Museums and Galleries of Wales - but neither could raise the money.

One of only a few portraits by Jan Steen, it shows an unidentified burgher portrayed as a benefactor on the steps of his house on the Oude Delft canal.

He seems to be considering charitable deeds in front of a poor old woman and the orphan at her side with the tower of the Old Church in Delft in the distance.

Steen worked in various towns including Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Warmond, and Haarlem.

In 1672 he opened a tavern in Leiden and many of his pictures represent taverns and festive gatherings.