Louvre seeks €800,000 to buy medieval statuettes

The final two statuettes, far right, would complete the collection
THE Louvre museum is hoping to raise €800,000 before the end of January to go towards the purchase of two medieval ivory statuettes measuring 20cm tall.

The statuettes of Saint John and the Allegory of the Synagogue would complete a collection titled Descent from the Cross, with museum director Henri Loyrette saying the pieces are a 'masterpiece of French gothic'.

However, the owner of the final two pieces is asking for €2.6 million and whilst half has been raised by the Friends of the Louvre Society, and art insurer Axa Art has contributed €500,000, there is still a €800,000 shortfall.

A special section has been created on the Louvre museum website, enabling people to find out more about the statuettes and the whole collection, as well as make a donation.