The Art Fund has donated £1m towards the purchase of Titian's Diana and Actaeon by the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) and the National Gallery in London.
The galleries have until 31 December to buy the painting for £50m from the Duke of Sutherland.
David Barrie, director of the Art Fund, described it as one of the greatest old master paintings still in private hands, and said he hoped that politicians in London and Edinburgh would recognise this and rise to the occasion.
The Scottish government has pledged an undisclosed amount towards the purchase, but the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has yet to commit any funds.
NGS director-general John Leighton would not disclose how much money has been raised, but said: "I am optimistic that we can raise the money, although the present environment hasn't made it any easier. There is an atmosphere of uncertainty in the fundraising world, but I think it is still doable. Scottish ministers have been very supportive. We hope that the government in London will rally to the cause."
Diana and Actaeon is on show at the National Gallery in London this month in an attempt to boost fundraising. It will return to Scotland in December.
The galleries have until 31 December to buy the painting for £50m from the Duke of Sutherland.
David Barrie, director of the Art Fund, described it as one of the greatest old master paintings still in private hands, and said he hoped that politicians in London and Edinburgh would recognise this and rise to the occasion.
The Scottish government has pledged an undisclosed amount towards the purchase, but the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has yet to commit any funds.
NGS director-general John Leighton would not disclose how much money has been raised, but said: "I am optimistic that we can raise the money, although the present environment hasn't made it any easier. There is an atmosphere of uncertainty in the fundraising world, but I think it is still doable. Scottish ministers have been very supportive. We hope that the government in London will rally to the cause."
Diana and Actaeon is on show at the National Gallery in London this month in an attempt to boost fundraising. It will return to Scotland in December.
