London - A deal was struck in Britain Monday to keep a Titian masterpiece in the public domain after 50 million pounds (71 million dollars) were raised by art trusts and public donations.

The National Galleries of Scotland and London's National Gallery said they were delighted that they had been able to purchase the painting Diana and Actaeon after its owner, the Duke of Sutherland, had put it up for sale.

The painting by the Italian Renaissance artist has been on public display in the two galleries for more than 200 years until the duke decided to sell it and its sister painting, Actaeon and Calisto, for a total of 100 million pounds.

The prospect that the paintings could be sold or auctioned off to a private buyer sparked a nationwide campaign in which the public donated 7.4 million pounds. The remainder will be contributed by trusts and art funds.

The galleries will now launch a separate campaign to save the siter painting. (dpa)