The University of Vienna is a public research university located in Vienna, Austria. Founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365, it is the oldest university in the modern German-speaking world and among the largest institutions of higher learning in Europe. The university is associated with 16 Nobel Prize winners and has been the home to many scholars of historical and academic importance.
The courtyard (arkadenhof) of the current main building, constructed between 1877 and 1884
Students riot at the University of Vienna after a Nazi attempt to prevent Jews from entering the university (c. 1938)
Main building
Main building, c. 1950s
Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria
Rudolf IV, also called Rudolf the Founder, was a scion of the House of Habsburg who ruled as duke of Austria, Styria and Carinthia from 1358, as well as count of Tyrol from 1363 and as the first duke of Carniola from 1364 until his death. After the Habsburgs received nothing from the decree of the Golden Bull in 1356, he gave order to draw up the "Privilegium Maius", a fake document to empower the Austrian rulers.
The first half-frontal portrait of the Occident. It had been on display above Rudolf's grave in the Stephansdom of Vienna for several decades after his death, but can now be seen in the Museum of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. Apart from the (invented) archducal crown, the foreshortening of which the artist did not completely master, the portrait is completely realistic. Even the duke's incipient facial palsy is shown.
Coffin of Rudolf and his wife in the Ducal Crypt, Vienna
Rudolph IV of Austria
