Ms Glen had pushed Dundee’s case as a venue for displaying Titian’s Diana and Actaeon with the National Galleries, and said today she was “very encouraged” at Dundee’s prospects for being chosen.

The initial scheme for the public display of the 16th Century work involved an alternating eight-month stay in either London or Edinburgh over the next three years, until May, 2012.

However, following lobbying from Glasgow, the city will now also host displays of the painting.

After May 2012, the painting will be exhibited at various venues that have yet to be decided.

In reply to Ms Glen, John Leighton said, “We are, of course, keen that Diana and Actaeon can reach as wide an audience as possible.

“Over the coming years, the National Galleries of Scotland will be developing a programme of displays for Diana and Actaeon at various locations across the country, and Dundee is certainly a city we would consider ideal for this.

“The McManus Galleries in Dundee (shortly to re-open after major refurbishment) has already been suggested as a possible venue, and this is something NGS will be exploring with Dundee over the coming months.”

Ms Glen said, “The positive message from the National Galleries illustrates Dundee’s status as a growing centre of culture.

“ Titian’s painting is regarded as amongst the finest of the works of the Italian Renaissance artist.

“Greater public access to his work would allows us to enjoy the very best of art.”