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Masterpieces. So isn't every work on the museum wall a masterpiece? Absolutely! But some collection objects are extra special. Or, as Flanders says, "rare and indispensable". But what exactly is a Flemish Masterpiece? You can read it here.
Flanders has a wonderful collection of art and heritage objects that tell stories about the region's history and culture. With the Masterpiece Decree, the Flemish Government wants to protect and safeguard movable cultural heritage of exceptional importance and ensure that rare and indispensable objects and collections in Flanders are not lost. Therefore, since 2003, Flanders has been compiling a list of objects or collections that are considered rare and indispensable due to their archaeological, historical, cultural-historical, artistic or scientific significance. Meanwhile, there are already some 1,000 Masterpieces on that list.
At the time of writing, there are 87 objects from our collection on the Flemish Masterpieces list. An extraordinary collection with sculptures, paintings, stained-glass windows, prints... Each one of them gems that for different reasons play an important role in the (art) historical context of Flanders. Each Masterpiece tells its own story.
In 1551, for instance, Pieter Pourbus made the 'Last Judgement' to remind the judges of the Liberty of Bruges, which governed the region around Bruges, to be just and fair. A very different story is told by 'Manolete' (1957). Luc Peire's work marked a milestone in the collecting history of Musea Brugge as the very first abstract artwork in the collection. Michelangelo's 'Madonna and Child' (1506), in turn, is one of the few sculptures by the Italian master to leave Italy during his lifetime.
If a work is recognised as a Flemish Masterpiece, it comes under the protection of the Masterpiece Decree. Masterpieces are therefore subject to a number of measures. For example, a Masterpiece cannot leave Flanders without permission for a loan agreement. Nor may the Masterpiece undergo any physical intervention without permission. In addition, the owner (museum, heritage institution or private owner) must ensure an optimal storage environment and conservation of the object. On the other hand, the Masterpiece Decree offers advice and funding for digitisation, conservation and restoration of the Masterpieces.
