20th anniversary of the art historian and collector, Karolina Lanckorońska death

Karolina Lanckorońska was one of those people who did not hesitate and devoted their lives to the motherland, Poland. She was able to sacrifice everything, and at the same time, in her modesty, she considered it completely natural and not worth mentioning. “She was an art historian and collector, highly meritorious to Polish culture, a soldier of the Home Army, a prisoner of the Ravensbrück concentration camp, an activist of the Polish community in Italy.” Karolina Lanckorońska’s legacy are only broadening the horizons publications but also the care for outstandingly talented young researchers.

When she received the diploma of recognition “For merits for Polish culture in the world” granted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland at the Polish Historical Institute in Rome, she said that what she had done was only the fulfillment of her duty towards her homeland. Although she perceived her activity in such humble way, she did something much more valuable. Karolina Lanckorońska was honored with many Polish and foreign decorations, including the Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great with a Star (1998), the Grand Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland (1991), the Cross of Valor (1942), the Cross of Valor (1942) Cross of Merit with Swords (1965), the Home Army Cross (1968) andthe medal “Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” (1997). In recognition of the contribution to Polish science and culture, the Jagiellonian University (1983), the University of Poland Abroad in London (1988) and the University of Wrocław (1990) awarded her with the title of “Doctor honoris causa”. Despite her undoubted merits, she was always a very modest person.