Réunion d'artistes

"Meet the masters" is technically speaking an amateur film, yet it features a galaxy of stars of the Belgian art scene: Léon Spilliaert, Paul Delvaux, Edgar Tytgat and his wife Maria, Luc and Paul Haessaerts. This short film, made to capture a special occasion, reveals the joy of being together. The camera moves from one face to another, recording the smiles, gestures and laughter, against a backdrop of summer. A shame that the film is silent. This valuable document, enhanced by a soundtrack composed of archive recordings, brings to life a crucial moment in the history of Belgian art, and reminds us of the pricelessness of friendship. This silent film was conserved in very difficult conditions. For too many years, it suffered in the artist’s basement, alongside books and gardening tools. Various digital means were employed to restore its splendor, but some traces of its journey through time are still perceptible. This meeting of masters is a funny and charming film that offers a glimpse into the lives of some of the most important artists of the 20th century. It is a must-see for anyone interested in art history or Belgian culture.