Detox. No, Bernard Arnault did not pay 43 million euros to offer a painting to the Musée d’Orsay.

Where does the intox come from?

While LFI continues to denounce the indecent wealth of French Bernard Arnault, president of LVMH and the richest man in the world, presenters Alain Marschall and Olivier Truchot wanted to give a lesson to the rebellious deputy, Danièle Obono, on BFM. Their shocking argument? The LVMH group notably enabled the Musée d’Orsay to acquire a painting by Gustave Caillebotte estimated at 43 million euros. “Who made the purchase possible? Bernard Arnaud. LVMH. Can we say thank you Bernard Arnault for this masterpiece. (…) No, no, but can you say thank you to Bernard Arnault (…) “He offers 43 million euros for a painting at the Musée d’Orsay”

Why is this wrong?

Problem, this presentation is largely misleading because a large part of the amount paid can be recovered in the form of a tax deduction.

In 2020, the Ministry of Culture classified The Boat Party, the work painted in 1878 by Gustave Caillebotte, as a national treasure. The State then had thirty months to buy it. But the Musée d’Orsay, whose acquisition budget is capped at 3 million euros, could not acquire alone. The ministry has therefore decided to launch a call for sponsorship in March 2022, which provides for a particularly incentive mechanism.

Indeed, since 2003, companies can benefit from a tax reduction equal to 90% of the donation, within the limit of 50% of the tax due.

If the LVMH group, used to this kind of device, decides to use this tax advantage, a large part of the 43 million put on the table will ultimately come from the pockets of taxpayers.

What relativize very largely the generosity of the world number one in luxury.