Historical context
What do we know about this scene
The photograph by Stanisław Bala "Giza" shows an insurgent playing the piano in the garden of the "U Gwiazdek" cafe in the Łubieński palace at ul. Mazowiecka 5. The premises had an important importance for the artistic community of occupied Warsaw: after the boycott of public theaters, actors opened cafes or worked in them as waiters and performers. "U Gwiazdek" previously operated at Piękna 12, and after the area was incorporated into the German district, it moved to Mazowiecka 5. They performed there, among others. Mira Zimińska and Janina Romanówna. The photo documents a moment of musical respite in the struggling Śródmieście. However, verified catalogs do not confirm the pianist's name or his affiliation with the "Bartkiewicz" Group.