The Contribution of Major General Leopold Ryck and His Family to the Formation of Museum Collections in Lviv in the First Half of the 20th Century

The article explores the biography of Leopold Ryck (1843–1927), a prominent citizen of Lviv and Major General in the Austro-Hungarian Army. It highlights key milestones in his life, such as his education at Lviv Technical Academy from 1862 to 1865 and his membership in the student organization «Brotherly Aid» associated with the institution. His career was dedicated to military service, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Major General. Throughout his service, Ryck received numerous honors and awards. Additionally, he was an expert, antiquities connoisseur, and collector. His patronage activities in the development of Lviv museums are studied. A general analysis of objects from his private collection, which were transferred to the collections of the Historical Museum and the King Jan III Lviv National Museum, is conducted. After 1940, they became an important part of the Historical Museum’s collection in Lviv. The study applied principles such as historicism, objectivity, systematicity, and continuity, along with a range of specialized scientific methods, ensuring the reliability of scientific conclusions: biographical, historical systemic, historical genetic, synchronous, and critical analysis of sources. Based on sources including inventory books from the Historical Museum in Lviv, King Jan III National Museum, and inventory records of fund groups such as «Weapons», «Fabrics», and «Leather-horn» at Lviv Historical Museum, it identified items transferred by L. Ryck to the museums, compiled a list of them, and provided descriptions for some. It is established that after L. Ryck’s death, his family, particularly Anna Ryck, continued to collaborate with the L’viv Historical Museum by donating various items to its collection. The monuments once belonging to Leopold Ryck and his family have now become cultural and historical heritage, serving as significant sources of information about the periods they represent.