Kosciuszko Foundation President Marek Skulimowski has helped negotiate the return of priceless art stolen during WWII under Nazi Germany’s occupation of Poland. These pieces include 18th-century watercolors by Zygmunt Vogel looted from the National Museum in Warsaw during WWII (Count Edward Raczynski’s collection).
“For two decades, Marek Skulimowski has monitored deals at auction houses to track artwork robbed from Poland,” said Kosciuszko Foundation Chairman Alex Storozynski. “As a diplomat, Marek worked to retrieve numerous paintings taken by Nazi Germany. We are proud that he continues this work as President of the KF. He is a vigilant art detective and negotiator who makes sure these artifacts are returned to their rightful owners.”
Over the years Skulimowski has helped retrieve prominent artifacts including: “Portrait of a Lady,” by Melchior Geldorp, “St. Phillip Baptizing Queen Kandaka’s Servant” by Johann Seekatz, two paintings by Julian Falat, “Before Going Hunting Rytwiany” and “The Battue Hunt at Nieswiez”, or a 15th-century breviary and a pre-war Polish Regimantal Standard.
Julian Fałat, „Before the Hunt in Rytwiany,” Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Skulimowski has worked with the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland, federal agencies in the U.S., and individual collectors and hobbyists who share his passion.
Poland, a nation with a rich cultural heritage, has been a victim of art looting throughout history. The invasion and occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany saw the extensive theft and devastation.
YOU can help us find and return Poland’s looted art. Join the KF to learn about more about Polish art and history.
