The 1939 Herald Exhibition, which brought the Australian public face-to-face for the first time with the experimental art that had been developing in Europe during the early the 20th century, is described in this fascinating history. This account examines the astonishing collection of paintings, including nine Picassos and eight Van Goghs, that generated much controversy upon its opening and was described by the director of the National Gallery of Victoria as "the work of degenerates and perverts."