Bon Voyage, M'Lady
Krakow’s most famous lady is to go on tour to Europe’s capitals – despite fears that the journey could damage her health.
She is of course The Lady With An Ermine, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in around 1490. The picture is one of the most valuable pieces of art in Europe.
Plans to send the painting to Berlin, Madrid and London over a period of nine months were fiercely opposed by some art lovers and experts, who said such a journey was fraught with danger. They pointed out that the Mona Lisa had not left Paris’ Louvre museum in many years – and said Krakow’s lady should be treated with the same reverence.
However, the Ministry of Culture announced yesterday that the tour could go ahead. By way of compromise, both the Lady and her Ermine will stay in Krakow for at least ten years once they return.