Stanisław August Poniatowski

Kept in a vault under armed guard, TFN gets exclusive glimpse at ‘hugely important’ painting hidden from public view for 200 years

For TFN’s exclusive viewing, the painting was standing on an easel under armed guard in the castle’s ornately decorated Council Chamber. The plan though is that it will eventually hang in the Royal Apartment. Before that, however, it must first undergo examination by castle art conservation specialists. Kalbar/TFN

Bought by the Royal Castle in Warsaw for an undisclosed price, director Professor Wojciech Fałkowski said the painting by the court artist of Poland’s last king arrived in Warsaw six days ago.

A courtly controversy: arguments still rage over whether the country’s last king was good or bad for Poland

Stanisław August Poniatowski remains a deeply divisive figure in Polish history.

Ghosts, corpses, stunning frescoes and a heavenly choir – Poland’s oldest school has them all

Dating back to the 12th century, the oldest school in Poland doesn’t disappoint those expecting the country’s version of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Ghosts are alleged to stalk the corridors, pupils share the grounds with over 600 corpses, and its alumni include leaders, presidents and saints. TFN’s Stuart Dowell went to find out more.

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