First of all, please let me premise this review by saying that it is not a political commentary of any type. It is just a recounting of our extraordinary trip to the National Museum, Warsaw because of the extraordinary circumstance we found ourselves in. We think that relaying our experience at this wonderful museum, can make anyone's trip there a more full and interesting visit!
Recently, my partner of 20 years, David, and I, came back from a very special trip to Poland. The reason for our visit was to attend the repatriation ceremony of a painting we had purchased at auction twelve years earlier, Melchior Geldorp's, 1628, "Portrait Of A Lady."
Shockingly, we had discovered it had been looted in WWII from Poland's National Museum, Warsaw, and upon learning learning of the true provenance of "our lady", we immediately decided to repatriate the painting to the National Museum, Warsaw.
When we had purchased the painting at auction, it had come to us frameless (many frames were destroyed in WWII). Upon her arrival into to our lives, we lovingly housed "our lady" in a beautiful 19th century wooden frame. We thought we would like to send the painting back to the museum surrounded in a piece of her American past, so we decided to donate the frame along with the painting. For us, the frame represents her ten years with us in America, and how we had loved and respected her SO much that when we learned of her history, we had known that we needed to help her get back to her homeland.
Along with our own efforts in returning the painting, we were honored to work with Poland's Division For Looted Art and America's Homeland Security; both have taken part in finding so many other missing pieces of Polish patrimony, and helped in their returns. It was a true union of international efforts, and one which we had come to Poland to celebrate at the official repatriation ceremony.
Wanting to create as much good will as possible, David and I also decided to do a donation outreach. We decided to dig deep and make three donations. First, we contributed to the National Museum's educational department (in dedication to ALL the people of Poland, and our belief that education in the arts nurtures not only creativity but an open minded view of the world around us). Next, in solidarity with our Jewish friends, who have endured so much, we made a donation to the educational department of the POLIN Museum (who eloquently chronicle 1000 years of Jewish history in Poland). And last but not least, to the Polish LGBTQ community; along with monetary donations, we sent hundreds of t-shirts, posters, and ten thousand stickers printed with images of our lady and the phrase "Share the Pride." We created this campaign as an invitation for our Polish brothers and sisters (who are struggling for their rights) to "share the pride" which we have felt in being able to return this painting to their country.
As so many of Poland's art and artifacts were plundered or destroyed in the war (along with so many lives), the return of these pieces of cultural patrimony are high profile events. They are times of celebration honoring a piece of their past being restored to the homeland. The repatriation ceremony for our lady was attended by: the Deputy Prime Minster of Poland; the American Ambassador: the Directory of the National Museum, Warsaw; representatives from Homeland Security; Poland's admirable Division For Looted Art; dozens of members of the media; and, of course, David and me. It was a wonderful event, and a beautiful moment of international diplomacy!
Now, we are proud to say, the painting hangs again in the National Museum, Warsaw for the first time in over 70 years, where she can be viewed by everyone.
In addition to the repatriation ceremony, we were able to spend some wonderful time touring the National Museum, Warsaw's collection. We were incredibly impressed with their very unique and comprehensive midievil collection, which is beautifully presented on the ground floor. As well, we truly enjoyed spending time in the galleries dedicated to Polish art. Wandering this part of the collection is a must to help educate yourself on how vibrant the pre-WWII art scene was in Poland. Among the many highlights, one which cannot help but stand out is an epic painting of The Battle Of Grunwald, by iconic Polish artist Jan Matejko. Standing in front of this monumental painting, it is difficult not to be drawn into Matejko's mastery of composition, movement, color, and dynamic militaristic drama. Viewing this painting is even more enhanced upon learning of how during the last world war it was crated up and hidden from reach of the destructive Nazi invaders; and how, after an unbelievable journey, it has been brought back to the museum, restored to its pre-war splendor, and is on view for all to admire.
Viewing the National Museum's collection with a focus on how much of the art is there because of the exhaustive recovery process Poland has undertaken, truly helped us appreciate thier collection, and helped give us inside to what the people of Poland have had to endure throughout their turbulent, but courageous history. For us, being conscious of these restorative efforts played an important role in our beginning to form an understanding of the Pole's complex history and present circumstances.
Seeing our painting hanging in the midst of all these recovered pieces (each with its own unique history of survival), and having the pleasure of meeting many of the incredibly passionate staff responsible for maintaining and restoring this collection for future generations, made us feel honored to have to played a role in helping get our lady back to this wonderful cultural institution.
As a "thank you" from the museum personnel, we were given a breathtaking behind the scenes tour, which we will always hold dearly in our memories. It began by viewing a collection of Baroque drawings (which had been selected with us in mind), and continued to the restoration department, where we saw a Chronach "Adam and Eve," which was in the middle of being restored. After this, we were taken to the area where the paintings not on exhibit are stored, and were able to look through whatever we desired. This special day ended with our walking into the museum's antiquities research library, and there on a table before us was a 2,500 year old Greek vase decorated with one of the earliest depictions of Sapho (created only 50-60 years after her death). Knowing that we were interested in it, the vase had been taken out of storage especially for us. The museum's scholar of antiquities spent a generous amount of time telling us about it and answering our questions. Walking into that room, and seeing that vase there on that table is a moment that I know neither of us will ever forget, and we will always be grateful to the museum for making this happen for us. Luckily for the public, the Sapho Vase will soon be on permanent display in the museum's newly created exhibit space for antiquities. It is one of the museum's gems!
As you can see, it was the trip of a lifetime for us. That being said, I would not hesitate in recommending a visit to this wonderful museum as a part of any art lovers trip to Warsaw. It is truly a testament to the love, respect, and determination of Poland's artistic community to resurrect their National artistic patrimony for all to see.
If on your trip to Warsaw, you do visit the museum, kindly make your way up to the top floor, where the Old Masters are exhibited. While you are exploring this collection, be sure to keep an eye out for our lady. If you find her, we hope that you will empathize with the journey she has gone through to be hanging there on the museum's walls, and that you will take take to heart how her frame symbolizes how much love and respect one couple had for her during the 10 years they were fortunate enough to spend with her.
Please wish her our very best, and tell her that we miss her terribly.... but that we are so very proud that she is finally back to her rightful home at the National Museum, Warsaw.
All our best to you on your journeys,
Craig Gilmore & David Crocker
















