The transfer of valuable works of art to cover tax obligations is changing the approach to preserving Spain’s cultural heritage. As a result of an unusual deal, the state has gained access to paintings that were previously held in private collections, and residents of the Canary Islands will soon be able to see them in a new museum. This decision not only strengthens the region’s standing on the country’s cultural map but also raises questions about the role of art in the economy.
The Canary Islands authorities have acquired twelve works of art, including notable pieces by Neapolitan artist Luca Giordano and six paintings attributed to Seville master Bartolomé Esteban Murillo or his workshop. The collection previously belonged to the family of the Counts de la Vega Grande de Guadalupe, one of the most influential on the archipelago. In 2021, the current head of the family and his relatives reached an agreement with tax authorities to transfer these artworks as payment for inheritance tax.
The fate of the paintings
Two works by Giordano — “Neptune” and “The Abduction of Proserpina” — will soon be sent for restoration. Once restored, they are set to be displayed in the future Museo de Bellas Artes de Gran Canaria, which is currently under construction. Both paintings, depicting mythological themes, previously adorned the dining room of the family’s historic home in the Vegueta district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Experts note that the paintings require significant intervention: one shows signs of water damage, while the frames have suffered from insect infestation. The Ministry of Culture has allocated funds for restoration, entrusting the work to professionals from a Madrid workshop. Once the procedures are complete, the canvases will take center stage in the new museum’s exhibition, which is slated to open in 2026.
History of the deal
The transfer of works of art as payment for taxes is a rare but legally established practice in Spain. This mechanism allows owners of unique objects recognized as cultural heritage to settle tax obligations when payment in cash is not possible. Expert assessment and approval from the relevant authorities are required for this process. In this case, the collection is valued at between 3.5 and 5 million euros, but exact details of the deal remain confidential.
The family of the Counts de la Vega Grande de Guadalupe is known not only for its contribution to the development of tourism and the economy of the Canary Islands, but also for its art collection. In the mid-19th century, thanks to one of the family’s members, the collector and philanthropist Juan del Castillo y Westerling, these paintings arrived in the archipelago. Now, they pass into the ownership of the autonomous community, becoming part of its cultural heritage.
Impact on the region
The addition of such significant works to a public collection reinforces the Canary Islands’ status as a cultural hub. Once the museum is restored and reopened, both tourism and interest in the region are expected to grow. For local residents, it’s an opportunity to engage with world-class art without leaving the archipelago, while for the authorities, it’s a way to highlight the importance of culture in society’s development.
The family that donated the collection emphasizes their pride in contributing to the preservation of art for future generations. This gesture sets an example for other private collectors, demonstrating that art can not only adorn homes but also serve the public interest.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in the transfer of artworks to the state in lieu of taxes. These transactions enable museums to enrich their collections without direct government spending, keeping unique pieces within the country. In 2024, a similar collection was given to the Prado Museum, while several private collections in Catalonia became part of regional exhibitions. This practice helps preserve cultural heritage and makes art more accessible to the wider public.
