In the historical period of new beginnings starting in the 1950s, the collector Rudolf Leopold (1925- 2010), with pioneer - like foresight and a keen sense of art, was able to do someting few others of his ilk succeeded in doing: build up a large, both aesth etically sophisticated and art historically relevant collection of international renown.

The biography paints a picture of Rudolf Leopold as a fascinating collector. It is based on the personal memories of his son, Diethard Leopold, and the latter's conve rsations with his father, relatives and contemporaries, as well as with competitors of his father. It is the lasting record of a lifelong effort to preserve what has defined a cultural period. Beginning with Schiele as core artist, his collection includes numerous major works by the likes of Klimt, Kokoschka, Gerstl, Egger - Lienz, and Kubin as well as by German Expressionists. Important furniture, arts and crafts, jewelry, and African and Japanese art complement the collection.