Poland to let da Vinci work hit the road

[April 20, 2011]  WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- It's finally been decided: Poland's most precious painting, "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci, will be allowed to travel to Spain, Germany and Britain.

The decision came after months of discussion by art experts and Poland's Culture Ministry about whether the 15th-century masterpiece should be allowed to leave the country.

Last week, art conservationists warned it could be damaged during transportation.

But the Polish owners want the painting shown overseas. On their website, they said that would bring prestige to Poland and money for the museum in Krakow where it is kept.

Wednesday's decision means the painting will be displayed at museums in Madrid in May, in Berlin in August and in London in November.

[Associated Press]

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