Abstract:

This paper examines decision-making in cultural heritage security management through the case of Karol Estreicher Jr. (1906-1984), an art historian, university professor, and one of the leading figures involved in the protection and post-war restitution of Polish cultural heritage. The analysis focuses on his efforts to safeguard the Veit Stoss Altarpiece - one of the largest and most important late Gothic altarpieces in Europe - before, during, and after the Second World War. Using a retrospective case study approach, the analysis combines historical sources, a review of 177 press articles published between 1946 and 2021, contemporary legal regulations concerning the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts, and an interview with the current custodian of the Altarpiece. The findings show that many of the challenges resulted from the absence of formal protection plans, coordinated risk management, and institutional cooperation. The case also demonstrates how risks may be incorrectly identified and assessed under conditions of uncertainty. While the decision-makers primarily anticipated the threat of physical destruction resulting from bombing and military operations of the Nazi authorities, they underestimated the likelihood of cultural looting by the occupying forces. The study therefore highlights the importance of early planning, systematic risk assessment, scenario analysis, and stakeholder coordination in safeguarding cultural heritage before and during armed conflicts.