When the Louvre launched a public fundraising appeal on the Web last month to purchase Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Three Graces," some in France objected, voicing the opinion that a wealthy, scandal-plagued figure from recent French headlines should cough up the dough. But, despite these occasional misgivings from the public, the Louvre announced today that it had met its €1 million ($1.3 million) goal, and ahead of schedule.

Since its launch on November 13, the fundraising appeal received money from 5,000 donors, whose names will be posted in a special exhibition room for the artwork from March 2 to April 4. After that, "The Three Graces" will take its natural place in the hall of German and Flemish painting.

The sums donated range from €1 to €40,000, according to the Louvre's fundraising Web site. In addition to individuals, some French and foreign companies supported the effort. The overall average gift was €150, and a quarter of the donations hovered around a €50 average, according to Le Monde.

The painting had belonged to the same family since 1932, and French law gave the museum the first opportunity to purchase it before it entered the auction market. The Louvre had been able to raise €3 million ($4 million) thanks to the museum's acquisitions fund and the support of the accounting firm Mazars, but the purchase price was €4 million ($5.3 million). The deadline for making up the €1 million shortfall had been set for January 31.