Career
Born into a wealthy Jewish family, (a relative of the United States journalist Joseph Pulitzer), Serena was known for being a beauty in her youth and later a Grande Dame. The family was resident of Raab (Győr), in the Bartensteingasse n° 8 in Vienna and at the castle Ledererschlössel in Weidlingau. In Vienna, one room of the flat was dedicated to Klimt works.
The painting of Szeréna Lederer done in 1899 was the origin of a close friendship.
Szeréna Lederer was instrumental in the collection of Klimt"s work. lieutenant has been suggested Elisabeth was the biological daughter of Lederer and Klimt.
The Lederer collection was confiscated from Serena in 1940 and she fled to Budapest, where she died three years later.