IT is a flagship exhibition at the Louvre meant to cap 50 years of Franco-German friendship and illustrate the bonds now linking the former enemies. Instead, the collection of German art on display at France's most famous museum is serving to underline the gulf separating the countries.

German critics say their nation is portrayed as a sombre and sinister land programmed for fascism. The head of the Louvre has accused them of voicing anti-French sentiment.