A painting by 18th-century British artist Sir Joshua Reynolds that was the subject of a major legal battle has gone on display in the National Gallery.
The Portrait of Omaiwas purchased by an anonymous buyer in 2001 for €14.9 million, the second-highest price ever paid for a British painting.
The painting, which depicts a young Tahitian prince, is now estimated to be worth in excess of €18 million.
The Tate Gallery in London fought a legal battle to keep the painting in Britain on account of its historical importance.
But the British government recently granted a temporary export licence for the painting after the owner made it clear it would be given on loan to the National Gallery of Ireland.
Under current tax laws, those who lend valuable works of art to major galleries for a minimum of six years are exempt from paying capital gains tax of 20 per cent on the subsequent sale of the painting.
There has been speculation that it current owner is horseracing magnate John Magnier, although this has never been confirmed by Mr Magnier.
The subject of the painting is a young Tahitian prince who was a celebrity when he arrived in London in 1774. His patrons were apparently keen to see how the young man would adapt to western civilisation.
In 1776 the prince accompanied Captain Cook back to the south Pacific and was never heard of again.
The painting is considered one of the iconic masterpieces of 18th century portraiture.
Director of the National Gallery Raymond Keaveney said the Gallery was delighted to have this rarely seen painting by Reynolds on view. "We wish to express our appreciation for the loan of this work which will be integrated into the display of the permanent collection," he said.