United for the first time in an exhibition, Derain, Balthus and Giacometti shared the same definition of what art should be. They also share a strong desire for modernity and are passionately interested in the history of painting and the art of foreign civilizations. Fascinated by « the dark forces of matter » (Derain), they pay attention to the « marvelous, unknown » reality that unfolds before their eyes (Giacometti).

In the early 1930s, Alberto Giacometti and Balthus, a generation of younger artists, were fascinated by André Derain, different and new, but nevertheless respecting the art of the past.

A friendship is created between these three major artists of the twentieth century based on mutual admiration.