Gdańsk discovery: Lost 19th-century stained glass identified

Eighteen panels of an original 19th-century stained glass window, previously believed to have been destroyed during World War II, have been identified in St. Catherine's Church in Gdańsk. The neo-Gothic artwork, which covers approximately 20 square meters, originally belonged to St. Mary's Basilica.

The discovery was made during inventory work conducted by the Voivodeship Office for the Protection of Monuments in collaboration with the Burzyński Conservation Studio. Using modern illuminated conservation tables, experts were able to identify the pieces, which had been stored in crates in a damaged state for decades. A breakthrough occurred when the 18th panel revealed an inscription with the name Franz Untrose Steffens, a member of a prominent 19th-century Gdańsk family.

Conservators believe the window was not intentionally dismantled for protection during the war but rather fell from a window during bombings. While the panels are expected to eventually return to St. Mary's Basilica, they require extensive restoration due to significant damage and missing sections.