A famous painting by Pablo Picasso, Child with a Dove, cannot leave the country after the Government placed a temporary halt to the painting's export as it hopes that a UK buyer can raise the money to keep the painting here.

The Government export ban gives potential buyers time to raise £50 million, which is the recommended price for the oil painting. The move follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

Picasso painted the Child with a Dove in 1901. It is the beginning of his famous Blue Period. The painting shows a young child holding a dove near a colourful ball. It was on loan to the National Gallery for many years until 2010.

A member of the committee reviewing the export of art, Aidan Weston-Lewsi, said: "Child with a Dove is a much-loved painting whose iconic status; together with its long history in British collections - latterly on loan to public galleries - make it of outstanding importance to our national heritage."

The committee will postpone its decision on a request to export the painting until December 16. They can postpone again the decision until June 16 if a "serious intention" to buy the painting is confirmed at the recommended price.

If a public organisation was to make an offer for less than the recommended £50 million, the offer may also be considered.

Copyright Press Association 2012