"For over a hundred years, no fewer than twelve paintings from the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece were located in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. ... At the end of World War I, they were handed over as compensation for the brutal destruction inflicted by the German army on neutral Belgium. Since November 6, 1920, the altarpiece has once again been located in the church of St. Bavo in Ghent. The present exhibition and catalogue are reminders of both: of the Berlin history of the Ghent Altarpiece panels, but also of the reason for their return in 1920"--Page 6.