Two masterworks from the collection of the late Jacob Rothschild—Guercino's *King David* (1651) and John Deare's *Edward and Eleanor* (1790)—have been allocated to London's National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) respectively under the UK's acceptance in lieu (AIL) scheme. The Guercino painting settles £5.6 million in inheritance tax, and will be reunited with two related Guercino works already at the National Gallery. The marble relief by Deare enters the V&A's collection.
This transfer matters because Jacob Rothschild was a towering figure in British heritage and philanthropy—former chair of the National Gallery, first chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and steward of Waddesdon Manor. The AIL scheme ensures that culturally significant works remain in the UK and accessible to the public, while also settling tax liabilities. The reunification of Guercino's three canvases after 374 years adds art-historical significance, and the bequest fulfills Rothschild's stated wish to place these works in national institutions.