I think we should better rely on the Niarchos family's generosity than on the State's munificence!
--Previous Message-- : Thank you for the explanation Arthur. I : obviously had a very incorrect impression. : : --Previous Message-- : "Thank goodness that the French : government is willing to invest serious : money in the nation's heritage" : : Hmmm... well, the last jewel bought by the : Louvre was Empress Eugénie's large bow : brooch, and it was in 2008. I fear that the : French government has currently other budget : priorities than buying dazzling jewels (even : historical ones...). : : Usually, the jewels which have been acquired : by the Louvre were not paid by the State : budget, but by the Louvre Museum itself : and/or the "Association des Amis du : Louvre". But with the current austerity : measures, I guess the subsidies granted by : the State budget to the Louvre must have : sunk drastically... : : : :