Founded 1957 in Düsseldorf thanks to its early commitment to contemporary American art in the 1960s Galerie Schmela became a driver in transatlantic art transfer. This monograph focusses on the first ten years after the establishment of Galerie Schmela as it was during this period that the gallery provided the decisive stimulus for defining the course of the international art market. The book highlights Alfred Schmela's innovative use of pioneering exhibition practices and networking strategies, which would serve as a guide for later generations of gallery owners and art dealers. In doing so it counters the „Schmela myth" with a position that is scientifically researched, based on analysis and draws on the gallery archives.