Theft of paintings and miniature collection in Krakow worth zl. 6 million

Around 80 paintings as well as ivory miniatures from the 16th and 17th centuries have been stolen from a flat of a pensioner in Krakow while he was away for two weeks. The thieves broke into the flat on the second floor by climbing in through a window. "There was no security system and the collection was not insured," said Agnieszka Walczak from Krakow's police. The price of the most valuable paintings from the collection were placed at between zl 20,000-50,000 by the owner, and he claims that the value of the miniature collection is as high as zl. 6 million. "At first it seemed that the value estimated by the owner was highly exaggerated, but as we received more information, I must admit, that we are dealing with a very precious collection," said Jerzy Huczkowski from "Gazeta Antykwaryczna". The miniature collection includes portraits of Zamoyski and Napoleon. The works were not been catalogued or exhibited. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A5) A.Z.