A long-lost watercolor by Kajetan Stefanowicz, “Death of a Uhlan,” has been recovered and returned to Wawel Castle in Krakow.
Discovery on Social Media
In spring 2024, Wawel Castle staff discovered photos of Stefanowicz’s watercolor on Facebook. They reported this to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which then involved the police.
Investigation and Recovery
Police identified the individual attempting to sell the artwork online. Local police in Poznan traced the painting to its current possessor. Due to the criminal nature of the case, law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office in Płock intervened, leading to the artwork’s return on July 15, 2024.
A Complex Process
The recovery of “Death of a Uhlan” underscores the intricate and collaborative efforts required to restore lost cultural heritage.
