Herinnering aan een zondag, 1926
On June 20, 1926, the Friends of Sélection welcomed the international artist Marc Chagall with a festive meal on the river Leie. The network surrounding the gallery (1920–1922) and the magazine Sélection, led by Paul-Gustave Van Hecke and André Ridder, grew into a close-knit community during the interwar period. Beautiful photographs from that day have been preserved. Edgard Tytgat immortalized the gathering in a painting. The figures in the painting anecdotally reference the artistic group around Sélection.
Marc Chagall is seated at the back of the boat with his wife. The artist was invited by Van Hecke and De Ridder to the house Malpertuis on the Leie. Gust De Smet is shooting a bow and arrow, and Léon De Smet is steering the boat, accompanied by his wife. At the front of the boat sits Frits Van den Berghe, recognizable by his glasses. He is deeply engaged in conversation with Floris Jespers. Also depicted is Honorine (Norine) De Schrijver, holding a mirror in her hand. Her partner, Paul-Gustave Van Hecke, awaits the guests on the riverbank, accompanied by their little dog, a dachshund. Hippolyte Daeye helps Mrs. Charlet on board. Edgard Tytgat himself captures the scene from a window.
- This work is part of the museum’s main collection. It was included in the inventory of the donation from Jules and Irma Dhondt-Dhaenens that was compiled at the board meeting on 03.06.1967.
