Around 1200, Stolpen Castle was a fortified manor house. As part of the German expansion eastwards at the beginning of the 13th century, it was transformed into the seat of the Bishops of Meissen and became one of their more important residences. From the 18th century onwards, the castle gradually declined. After the passage of Napoleon's troops in 1813, part of the fortress was blown up, ending the castle's heyday as an important strategic site. The extensive structure was secured in the 19th century and opened to the public. Today it belongs to the Schlösserland Sachsen - Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Garten (in Polish: State Castles, Palaces and Gardens of Saxony).

The most famous figure identified with Stolpen Castle is Countess Anna Constance Cosel (1680-1765). A woman full of temperament, she became the official mistress of King Augustus II the Strong (Elector of Saxony Friedrich Augustus I) of Poland in 1705. Augustus II the Strong was instrumental in giving her the title of count and, having made a promise of marriage in secret, recognised the Countess Cosel as elector and queen.

Her involvement in political issues contributed to discontent at the ducal (Dresden) and royal (Warsaw) courts. Countess Cosel repeatedly defied the orders of the king, who felt cheated by her, which became a source of conflict between them. At the end of 1716, the Countess, then a 36-year-old woman, was placed as a prisoner in Stolpen Castle. Forgotten and humiliated by fate, she died at the age of 84 in the tower of St. John (also known as the Cosel tower). She was buried in the castle chapel.

Technical data: oil, canvas; approx. 90 x 60 cm.