Times are not easy in our country right now. The level of culture is in a difficult situation. Most theaters, museums, libraries, especially in provincial towns are in dire need of support.
If earlier libraries, museums were visited by a considerable number of people different ages, but now they are becoming less and less every year. And this is terrible, because with the advent of global network Internet, many have forgotten the way to the library, and with the advent of gadgets, the way Old book. And how many museums across the country were closed because they were no longer needed!
If we conduct a social survey among the population on the topic of philanthropy, then the percentage of an intelligible answer is not great. The word is familiar to many, but not everyone can give an interpretation, regardless of age. Realizing this, it becomes sad, because our great country She was known for her charity and patronage.
Art requires donations.
Donat Mechik
The term "Patron"
A philanthropist is a person who leaves a significant mark on the life of the state. It is no secret that there are such wealthy people, businessmen, entrepreneurs who finance orphanages, cancer centers, children's sports, musicians, artists, young writers, etc. Charity is generosity for certain things, medications and other sources.A philanthropist is a person who donated help in the formation of science and art, provides financial assistance from personal funds. Maecenas in simple terms is a philanthropist, an altruist.
Patronage is a domestic tradition that reflects the spiritual possibility Russian society. If you look back to the roots cultural development of our country, it is worth remembering the Russian patrons, thanks to them Russian culture has risen to the highest level of development. It was with the help of patrons that the Shchukin School was opened, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow Theater of Artists.
The restoration of intellectuality helped Russia get out of the economic crisis. Memorials of our culture were created at the expense of patrons' funding. The monuments still do not leave the inhabitants of our vast state indifferent.
Chronicles of the Origin of Patronage in Russia
The name philanthropist originated from the ancient Roman ascetic Gaius Cilnius Maecenas. He was a benefactor of the arts under Emperor Augustus. The roots of philanthropy in our state go back to ancient times. Sovereigns, kings helped in the construction of temples, palaces, as well as icon painters, writers, artists, etc. A significant rise in the participation of patrons was during the time of Catherine II. This period can be called the period of collecting. For example, Count Orlov created a castle that housed a huge library.Bezborodko A.A. was a serious collector and philanthropist. He owned an art gallery, later everything was transferred to the Academy of Arts. The Demidov family were also philanthropists; they donated an outstanding collection of minerals to Moscow University. A descendant of the great commander Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky collected a large collection of rare manuscripts, books, medals and coins.
It should be noted that the Sheremetev family also provided assistance to theaters, choirs, and ensembles. Benefactors for the social good formed special rules. Aristocrats were awarded the highest state awards, merchants were awarded titles of nobility. Rising and strengthening values have been preserved to this day.
If a person who has effected alienation to the sum of several million rubles for his own benefit later even becomes a patron of the arts and builds a marble palazzo in which he will concentrate all the wonders of science and art, then he still cannot be called a skillful public figure, but should only be called a skillful swindler. .
Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin. History of one city<.cite>
Patrons of the XIX-XX centuries
The vast majority of Russian people differed from Europeans in their approach to the issue of providing assistance to representatives of culture and the arts. In our country, philanthropy is material assistance, which carries no interest for itself.In Europe, it was by no means due to charity that they reduced taxes for philanthropists or completely got rid of them. Therefore, whether their help was disinterested, judge for yourself.
- The first merchant who reached out to patronage in the second half of the 19th century was V.A. Kokorev. The merchant was a wine farmer and railway contractor. Kokorev was the first to establish and invest a considerable amount of money in the first repository of paintings. It contained about 600 paintings, which he collected himself. Also, his name became famous thanks to the opening of a home for young talents in the Tver region.
- An incredibly bright person was a businessman from Moscow, a shareholder of textile factories, a bank and a brewing company - Soldatenkov K.T. He was a book publisher, without having mastered primary school, poorly read, not counting the Old Believer books. He published them, thereby trying to replenish Russian culture. Engaged in translations from French, collected about 8 thousand books and 15 thousand copies of magazines, in his possession was a gallery of paintings, containing about 270 works of art. All this is Soldatenkov K.T. wrote to the Museum of M. Rumyantsev. This merchant did not spare money both for culture and for the needs of society. He tried to help with education and treatment of the population, he was the founder of the Botkin hospital.
- The sons of the Shchukin dynasty, in particular, the second son Peter (and there were 4 of them: Sergey, Dmitry, Peter. Ivan) bought books during his internship in Lyon French writers, engravings. Buying junk at the Sukharevsky Bazaar in the capital, he long time I plunged into bags filled with purchases and selected all the best. After the death of his father, his opportunities increased many times over. Finances appeared, and he undertook the construction of a two-story house in order to house his collection. In the autumn of 1893 it opens own museum, in which one-of-a-kind documents have their place - the Gospels of the 13th century, ancient weapons, domestic porcelain, monuments applied arts. In 1896 the museum became free for everyone without exception.
- Sergei Shchukin (Peter's brother) collected a collection of paintings famous artists such as Gauguin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir. There were approximately 221 paintings. Dmitry Shchukin loved to collect paintings, there were 604 canvases in his collection, they were works of Western life of the 16th-17th centuries. In the future, part of the collection of the Shchukin brothers was donated to the museum fine arts A. S. Pushkin.
- Among the people-philanthropists were those who donated cash out of love for the culture of Russia, but they didn't brag about it. The Tretyakov dynasty is considered to be patrons without frills. They own the Tretyakov Gallery.
The Tretyakov brothers Pavel and Sergei were born into a native merchant family, they had an excellent education (they were frequent visitors to the Maly and Bolshoi Theater). Having received an education, they successfully developed the parent's craft - the trade in linen. Both brothers were not indifferent to art.
Sergei Mikhailovich Tretyakov collected 84 works in his sixty years of life, 52 of them belonged to foreign painters. After his death, everything was inherited by his brother Tretyakov Pavel Mikhailovich. In the future, he presented all the works to the custodians of paintings. Pavel Mikhailovich spent no small fortune on the purchase of paintings. He was very diligent in his expenses, did not celebrate luxury, but provided financial assistance to artists in difficult circumstances. Pavel Mikhailovich was surprisingly considered humblest man, rarely went to his gallery in the presence of visitors.
- In the 19th century, not only wealthy people, but also ordinary people. Of course, their contribution was not huge, but it is noted that such people gave a lot to the country. Considerable investments were made by S.I. Mammoths. He made his fortune building railroad tracks. He helped artists and theater actors to create the Moscow Private Opera, later such celebrities as Rachmaninov and Chaliapin drank in it. S.I. Mamontov greatly honored the opera, and financed it with great pleasure. The Moscow Private Opera, owned by him, successfully surpassed all expectations in 1896, after which the opera was a significant cultural event in the country.
There are no patrons more reliable than our own abilities.
Vauvenarg
What now?
In the modern world, charity exists, but the means mass media consecrate it very rarely. There are charitable foundations, there are sponsors, but they are rarely known about.Millionaire Vladimir Potanin is heard by many, this businessman actively participates in aid campaigns and announced that he will bequeath his entire millionth fortune to charitable needs. The Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation is engaged in not small projects in the field of culture and education.
We also note Deripaska O.V., he owns the Volnoe Delo Foundation, he is engaged in education, culture, sports and science. In addition, the fund finances monasteries, the Hermitage, and quite a few theaters throughout Russia.
Corporation "Uralsib" Tsvetkov Nikola founded the "Victoria" fund, it helps orphans.
The following companies are also involved in charity work:
- "Gazprom";
- "LUKOIL";
- "Bank Alfa";
- Fund of the First Channel "Give Life", which helps children with developmental disabilities and pays for the treatment of complex expensive operations and others.
Conclusion
Classes, voluntary gratuitous assistance which was aimed at the formation scientific activity, arts, culture, health care, education and other areas that helped our country to flourish, was considered a sacred duty.Charity did not pursue mercantile goals and was not aimed at generating income. With the help of patrons, numerous transformations were carried out in the city. Polyclinics, universities, theaters, art galleries, historical museums, libraries, etc. Both in the center and in the province of our small country there is an opportunity to find a considerable number of acts of charity and patronage.
Let's ask ourselves a question, but can any entrepreneur, millionaire become a patron of art? I have not heard that any of the modern millionaires would open art gallery or donate exclusive books to the library. Summing up, we can say that patrons are not born. They become during life, and it would be right for modern patrons to direct their finances to restore what was created by the predecessors centuries ago.
And you, dear reader, will you be able to give someone, for example, a rare painting, a book, a coin that is in your possession?
Rendering them financial assistance from personal funds.
The name comes from the name of the noble Roman Gaius Cilnius Maecenas (Mekenat; lat. Gaius Cilnius Maecenas), who was a patron of the arts under Emperor Augustus. Being a confidant of the emperor Octavian Augustus, he conducted state affairs, without occupying any official position, but being, together with Agrippa, the most influential assistant of Augustus and taking the most active part in all the actions of the emperor to build the state and strengthen power. In his relations with Augustus, he was free from servility and fawning and expressed his views with complete freedom, often completely opposite to the plans of the emperor.
His name became a household name for a reason - for the first time in history, the most powerful public policy, the conductor of which was the Maecenas. With the support of the emperor, Patron sent a significant share of the funds accumulated by the Roman Empire to encourage and support the creative industry. Thus, a system of state financial support for culture or the world of arts was created. With the help of investments in art, the political tasks of great Rome were solved, the position and power of the Roman Empire and its power were strengthened. Therefore, it cannot be considered that a philanthropist is an unmercenary who does good to people for free. A philanthropist is one who, by supporting art, develops the spirituality of society as necessary condition implementation of the tasks ahead.
Over time, patrons began to be called wealthy patrons of culture, art and science. Many of them entered the history of culture along with outstanding artists, writers, actors, because they contributed to the development of their creativity, the flourishing of art, and the introduction of the broad masses to the best cultural achievements. As shining example Patronage can be cited by the Medici family, whose representatives from the 13th to the 18th century repeatedly became the rulers of Florence. Most famous they acquired as sponsors the most outstanding geniuses of the Renaissance.
As another example, [ ] lead a dynasty of bankers and public figures Rothschilds, who during the 20th century had the greatest fortune in modern world history. They began their ascent to upper strata societies at the end of the 18th century and eventually entangled almost all European yards. Story financial success began with the antique shop of the founder of the Rothschild dynasty - Mayer Amschel. Having saved up money, Meyer opened the first Rothschild bank, where one could change the money of one German principality for another, exchange and sell coins and medals, antiques. Over time, this trend has only strengthened. mid-nineteenth century Rothschilds invested half of their assets in works of art. On the one hand, these investments provided a good fund for the family in case of a shock, and on the other hand, they characterized the Rothschilds not only as accumulators of wealth, but also as people capable of appreciating the beautiful. [ ]
The development of patronage in Russia began in the 18th century, and in the second half of the 19th century it flourished. In the suburban noble estates, wonderful collections of monuments of Russian and Western European art, extensive libraries gathered in city palaces. [ ] Among the well-known Russian patrons are Mamontov, Morozov, Ryabushinsky, Bakhrushin, Smetskoy, Tretyakovs and many others. [ ]
The section is very easy to use. In the proposed field, just enter the desired word, and we will give you a list of its meanings. I would like to note that our site provides data from various sources - encyclopedic, explanatory, word-building dictionaries. Here you can also get acquainted with examples of the use of the word you entered.
The meaning of the word philanthropist
philanthropist in the crossword dictionary
Economic glossary of terms
Maecenas
a disinterested patron who promotes the development of science and art, allocating material assistance for him from personal funds.
Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language. D.N. Ushakov
Maecenas
patron, m. (book and iron.). Wealthy patron of sciences and arts. (After the name of a wealthy Roman patrician of the Augustan era).
Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova.
Maecenas
A, m. Rich patron of sciences and arts; in general, one who patronizes some n. business, undertaking. Sports patrons.
and. philanthropist,
adj. philanthropist, th, th.
New explanatory and derivational dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova.
Maecenas
m. Rich patron of sciences and arts.
Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998
Maecenas
PATRONS (Maecenas) (between 74 and 64-8 BC) in Dr. Rome close associate of Emperor Augustus, who carried out his diplomatic, political, and private assignments. His patronage of poets made the name of Maecenas a household name.
Maecenas
Maecenas- a person who contributes to the development of science and art on a voluntary and gratuitous basis, providing them with material assistance from personal funds.
patronage- patronage of the development of science and art.
The name comes from the name of the Egyptian Gaius Cylnius Maecenas, who was the patron of the arts under Emperor Augustus. Being a confidant of the emperor Octavian Augustus, he conducted state affairs, without occupying any official position, but being, together with Agrippa, the most influential assistant of Augustus and taking the most active part in all the actions of the emperor to build the state and strengthen power. In his relations with Augustus, he was free from servility and fawning and expressed his views with complete freedom, often completely opposite to the plans of the emperor.
His name became a household name for a reason - for the first time in history, a powerful state policy was implemented, the conductor of which was the Maecenas. With the support of the emperor, Patron sent a significant share of the funds accumulated by the Roman Empire to encourage and support the creative industry. Thus, a system of state financial support for culture or the world of arts was created. With the help of investments in art, the political tasks of great Rome were solved, the position and power of the Roman Empire and its power were strengthened. Therefore, it cannot be considered that a philanthropist is an unmercenary who does good to people for free. A philanthropist is one who, by supporting art, develops the spirituality of society as a necessary condition for the realization of the tasks facing it.
Over time, patrons began to be called wealthy patrons of culture, art and science. Many of them entered the history of culture along with outstanding artists, writers, actors, because they contributed to the development of their creativity, the flourishing of art, and the familiarization of the broad masses with the best cultural achievements. As a striking example of patronage, the Medici family can be cited, whose representatives from the 13th to the 18th centuries repeatedly became the rulers of Florence. They became most famous as sponsors of the most outstanding geniuses of the Renaissance.
As another example, the Rothschild dynasty of bankers and public figures, during the 20th century, had the largest fortune in modern world history. They began their ascent to the upper strata of society at the end of the 18th century and eventually entangled almost all European courts with their financial network. The story of financial success began with the antique shop of the founder of the Rothschild dynasty - Mayer Amschel. Having saved up money, Meyer opened the first Rothschild bank, where one could change the money of one German principality for another, exchange and sell coins and medals, antiques. Over time, this trend only strengthened - by the middle of the 19th century, the Rothschilds invested half of their assets in works of art. On the one hand, these investments provided a good fund for the family in case of a shock, and on the other hand, they characterized the Rothschilds not only as accumulators of wealth, but also as people capable of appreciating the beautiful.
The development of patronage in Russia began in the 18th century, and in the second half of the 19th century it flourished. Wonderful collections of monuments of Russian and Western European art, extensive libraries gathered in country noble estates, in city palaces. Among the famous Russian patrons are Mamontov, Morozov, Ryabushinsky, Bakhrushin and the Tretyakovs.
Examples of the use of the word patron in the literature.
An art circle in Abramtsevo, whose soul was a Russian businessman and Maecenas WITH.
Enter Caesar and his council of war: Agrippa, Dolabella, Maecenas, Gallus, Proculeus and others.
From among the then aristocracy, a young man soon drew attention to himself best surname, who distinguished himself already at a young age in the state field, an ardent admirer of everything true, sublime, a zealot of everything that gave rise to art and the mind of a person who prophesied in himself philanthropist.
In subsequent years, all the beneficiaries, following my example, went on a visit to Meyerhold, and he never refused, took a box, paid big money and became patron of the arts.
A miraculous deliverance, making its way into the space world higher spheres, shrinking and steadily expanding to the rhythm of the rhythmic essence of that difficult, but mysterious space in the gaps of the caves of which, curtaining themselves with stalactites and stalagmites, resting, ever-existing, self-centered, the foundations of music itself, the deployment of which forms the lungs of everyone easy breathing, pierced only by the pecked ribs of the musical foundations of the composer's skeleton, renewed by chalk lime, the waters of the pool, which have not been exhausted to the musical foundations, appearing in imitation of the sacred loneliness of the thought of a ghost tasting the bitter tincture of conscience for the purpose of rhetorical coughing with a taste of time and rowan berries, which are absorbed in clusters in that frantic unbearable stubbornness, rushing away from itself, letting itself through the singing slit of consciousness, stubbornness of thinking, wishing to arouse taste in things that have fallen away from being as such their internal with
But we wanted patrons to take Vylka to Moscow, to show how a miracle.
A week later Dalmatov released an announcement about my benefit performance, presented me with a pack of luxuriously printed small programs, which was rare then, and suggested, according to local custom, to go around patrons and invite everyone, starting with the governor, for whom, on behalf of Dalmatov, I have already directed a home performance.
If this is the case, then in the next turn of history, when decadence is over, planets are colonized and peace reigns on earth, the dental historian will mention Eigenvalley in the footnotes as philanthropist, a judicious physician of the neo-Jacobin school.
Arapov did not hide from Langovoy that one Maecenas, a Mr. Spaulding, subsidizes Eurasians in England.
Maecenas Ilyenkov and Mendeleev, who had not paid off his debts, drove off to the village.
The next day we were visited by a famous Maecenas and manufactory adviser Kubyshkin and made us the most flattering offers.
A tax-farmer passed before my eyes, a provincial tavern Maecenas, a financial friend of the fatherland, an unpunished falsifier of folk poison and a legalized rapist in the name of his rights to it, passed a correct and impeccable official of the excise department.
Maecenas looked indifferently at such a barbarous treatment of his library, while Novakovich and Moth chuckled softly, squirming their bellies on the carpet.
Maecenas, after hearing this story, laughed, and Moth exclaimed indignantly: - Bodyguard!
Patronage... The word is not quite familiar to us. Everyone has heard it at least once in their life, but not everyone can correctly explain the essence of this term. And this is sad, because Russia has always been famous for the fact that charity and patronage were an integral part of its long traditions.
What is patronage?
If you ask anyone you meet what patronage is, few people will be able to give an intelligible answer like this, right off the bat. Yes, everyone has heard of wealthy people providing financial assistance to museums, children's children's sports organizations, emerging artists, musicians and poets. But is all the assistance provided philanthropy? There is also charity and sponsorship. How to distinguish these concepts from each other? This article will help to understand these difficult questions.
Patronage is material or other gratuitous support individuals provided to organizations, as well as representatives of culture and art.
The history of the term
The word owes its origin to the real historical figure. Gaius Tsilny Maecenas - that's whose name has become a household name. A noble Roman nobleman, an ally of Emperor Octavian, became famous for helping talented poets and writers persecuted by the authorities. He saved from death the author of the immortal "Aeneid" Virgil and many other cultural figures whose lives were threatened for political reasons.
There were other patrons of art in Rome, besides Gaius Maecenas. Why exactly did his name become a household name and turned into modern term? The fact is that all other wealthy benefactors would refuse to intercede for a disgraced poet or artist because of fear of the emperor. But Guy Maecenas had a very strong influence on Octavian Augustus, and was not afraid to go against his will and desire. He saved Virgil. The poet supported the emperor's political opponents and fell out of favor because of this. And the only one who came to his aid was the Maecenas. Therefore, the name of the rest of the benefactors was lost in the centuries, and he forever remained in the memory of those whom he unselfishly helped all his life.
History of patronage
It is impossible to name the exact date of the appearance of patronage. The only undeniable fact is that there has always been a need for assistance to representatives of art from people endowed with power and wealth. The reasons for providing such assistance varied. Someone really loved art and sincerely tried to help poets, artists and musicians. For other rich people, this was either a tribute to fashion, or a desire to show themselves as a generous giver and patron in the eyes of the rest of society. The authorities tried to provide patronage to representatives of art in order to keep them in subjection.
Thus, philanthropy appeared in the period after the emergence of the state. Both in the era of antiquity and in the Middle Ages, poets and artists were in a dependent position from representatives of the authorities. It was practically domestic slavery. This situation continued until the collapse of the feudal system.
During the period of absolute monarchy, patronage takes the form of pensions, awards, honorary titles, and court positions.
Charity and patronage - is there a difference?
There is some confusion with the terminology and concepts of patronage, charity and sponsorship. All of them involve the provision of assistance, but the difference between them is still quite significant, and it would be a mistake to draw an equal sign. It is worth considering the issue of terminology in more detail. Of all three concepts, sponsorship and patronage are the most different from each other. The first term means providing assistance on certain conditions, or investing in a cause. For example, support for an artist may be subject to the creation of a portrait of the sponsor or the mention of his name in the media. Simply put, sponsorship involves receiving some kind of benefit. Patronage is a disinterested and gratuitous aid to art and culture. The philanthropist does not prioritize obtaining additional benefits for himself.
The next topic is charity. It is very close to the concept of patronage, and the difference between them is barely noticeable. This is helping those in need, and the main motive here is compassion. The concept of charity is very broad, and patronage acts as its specific type.
Why do people philanthropy?
Russian philanthropists and patrons have always differed from Western ones in their approach to the issue of helping artists. If we talk about Russia, here philanthropy is material support, which is provided out of a sense of compassion, a desire to help without deriving any benefit for oneself. In the West, however, there was a moment of benefiting from charity in the form of tax cuts or exemptions. Therefore, it is impossible to speak of complete disinterestedness here.
Why, since the 18th century, Russian philanthropists are increasingly patronizing art and science, building libraries, museums and theaters?
The main driving force here was the following reasons - high morality, morality and religiosity of patrons. Public opinion actively supported the ideas of compassion and mercy. Correct traditions and religious education led to such a striking phenomenon in the history of Russia as the flourishing of patronage in late XIX- early XX centuries.
Patronage in Russia. The history of the emergence and attitude of the state to this kind of activity
Charity and patronage in Russia have long and deep traditions. They are associated primarily with the time of appearance in Kievan Rus Christianity. At that time, charity existed as a personal aid to those in need. First of all, the church was engaged in such activities, opening hospices for the elderly, the disabled and the infirm, and hospitals. The beginning of charity was laid by Prince Vladimir, who officially obliged the church and monasteries to engage in public charity.
The next rulers of Russia, eradicating professional begging, at the same time continued to take care of those who were truly in need. Hospitals, almshouses, orphanages for the illegitimate and the mentally ill continued to be built.
Charity in Russia has successfully developed thanks to women. Empresses Catherine I, Maria Feodorovna and Elizaveta Alekseevna were especially distinguished in helping those in need.
The history of patronage in Russia begins with late XVIII century, when it becomes a form of charity.
The first Russian patrons
The first patron of the arts was Count Alexander Sergeevich Stroganov. One of the largest landowners in the country, the count is best known as a generous philanthropist and collector. Traveling a lot, Stroganov became interested in compiling a collection of paintings, stones and coins. The count devoted a lot of time, money and effort to the development of culture and art, provided assistance and support to such famous poets as Gavriil Derzhavin and Ivan Krylov.
Until the end of his life, Count Stroganov was the permanent president Imperial Academy arts. At the same time he oversaw the Imperial public library and was its director. It was on his initiative that the construction of the Kazan Cathedral began with the involvement of not foreign, but Russian architects.
People like Stroganov paved the way for subsequent patrons who unselfishly and sincerely help the development of culture and art in Russia.
The famous Demidov dynasty, the founders of the metallurgical industry in Russia, is known not only for its huge contribution to the development of the country's industry, but also for its charity. Representatives of the dynasty patronized Moscow University and founded a scholarship for students from them. They opened the first commercial school for merchant children. The Demidovs constantly helped the Orphanage. At the same time they were engaged in the collection of art collections. It has become the largest private collection in the world.
Another famous patron and patron of the XVIII century - Count He was a real connoisseur of art, especially theatrical.
At one time he was infamous for marrying his own serf, an actress home theater Praskovya Zhemchugova. She died early and bequeathed to her husband not to give up the cause of charity. Count Sheremetev complied with her request. He spent part of the capital to help artisans and dowry brides. On his initiative, the construction of the Hospice House in Moscow began. He also invested in the construction of theaters and temples.
The special contribution of the merchants to the development of patronage
Many now have a completely wrong opinion about the Russian merchants of the XIX-XX centuries. It was formed under the influence Soviet films And literary works, in which the mentioned layer of society was exposed in the most unattractive way. All merchants without exception look poorly educated, focused solely on making a profit in any way by people, while completely devoid of compassion and mercy for their neighbors. This is a fundamental misconception. Of course, there are always exceptions and there will be, but for the most part merchants were the most educated and informative part of the population, not counting, of course, the nobility.
But among the representatives of noble families, benefactors and patrons could be counted on the fingers. Charity in Russia is entirely the merit of the merchant class.
It has already been briefly mentioned above, for what reason people began to engage in patronage. For most merchants and manufacturers, charity has become almost a way of life, has become an integral character trait. Here the fact played a role that many wealthy merchants and bankers were descendants of the Old Believers, who were characterized by special treatment to money and wealth. And the attitude of Russian entrepreneurs to their activities was somewhat different than, for example, in the West. For them, wealth is not a fetish, trade is not a source of profit, but rather a certain duty imposed by God.
Raised on the deep religious traditions, Russian entrepreneurs-philanthropists believed that wealth is given by God, which means that you need to be responsible for it. In fact, they believed that they were obliged to engage in the provision of assistance. But it wasn't coercion. Everything was done according to the call of the soul.
Famous Russian patrons of the 19th century
This period is considered the heyday of charity in Russia. The rapid economic growth that began led to the astounding scope and generosity of the wealthy.
Known patrons XIX-XX centuries - entirely representatives of the merchant class. Most prominent representatives- Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov and his lesser-known brother Sergei Mikhailovich.
It must be said that the Tretyakov merchants did not possess significant wealth. But this did not stop them from carefully collecting pictures. famous masters spending a lot of money on them. Sergei Mikhailovich was more interested Western European painting. After his death, the collection bequeathed to his brother was included in the collection of paintings by Pavel Mikhailovich. Introduced in 1893 art Gallery bore the name of both remarkable Russian patrons. If we talk only about the collection of paintings by Pavel Mikhailovich, then in his entire life the philanthropist Tretyakov spent about a million rubles on it. An incredible sum for the time.
Tretyakov began to collect his collection of Russian paintings in his youth. Even then, he had a well-defined goal - to open a national public gallery, so that anyone could visit it for free and join the masterpieces of Russian fine art.
We owe the Tretyakov brothers a magnificent monument to Russian patronage - the Tretyakov Gallery.
Patron Tretyakov was not the only patron of art in Russia. Savva Ivanovich Mamontov, a representative of a famous dynasty, is the founder and builder of the largest railway lines in Russia. He did not strive for fame and was completely indifferent to awards. His only passion was the love of art. Savva Ivanovich himself was a deeply creative person, and entrepreneurship was very burdensome for him. According to contemporaries, he himself could become magnificent opera singer(he was even offered to perform on the stage of the Italian opera house), and a sculptor.
He turned his Abramtsevo estate into a hospitable home for Russian artists. Vrubel, Repin, Vasnetsov, Serov, and also Chaliapin were constantly here. Mamontov provided financial assistance and patronage to all of them. But the philanthropist provided the greatest support to theatrical art.
Mamontov was considered by his relatives and business partners to be a stupid whim, but this did not stop him. At the end of his life, Savva Ivanovich was ruined and barely escaped prison. He was fully justified, but he could no longer engage in entrepreneurship. Until the end of his life, he was supported by all those whom he had selflessly helped in his time.
Savva Timofeevich Morozov is an amazingly modest philanthropist who helped Art Theater on the condition that his name not be mentioned in the newspapers on this occasion. And other representatives of this dynasty provided invaluable assistance in the development of culture and art. Sergey Timofeevich Morozov was fond of Russian arts and crafts, the collection he collected made up the center handicraft museum in Moscow. Ivan Abramovich was the patron of the then unknown Marc Chagall.
Modernity
The revolution and subsequent events interrupted the wonderful traditions of Russian patronage. And after the collapse Soviet Union it took a long time before there were new patrons modern Russia. For them patronage is a professionally organized part of their activity. Unfortunately, the topic of charity, which is becoming more and more popular in Russia from year to year, is extremely sparingly covered in the media. Only isolated cases become known to the general public, and most of the work of sponsors, patrons and charitable foundations passes by the population. If you now ask anyone you meet: "What modern patrons do you know?", it is unlikely that anyone will answer this question. And meanwhile such people need to know.
Among the Russian entrepreneurs who are actively involved in charity, first of all, it is worth noting the president of the Interros holding, Vladimir Potanin, who in 2013 announced that he would bequeath his entire fortune to charitable purposes. This was a truly stunning statement. He founded the foundation that bears his name, which deals with big projects in education and culture. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hermitage, he has already donated 5 million rubles to it.
Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska, one of the most influential and richest entrepreneurs in Russia, is the founder of the Volnoe Delo charitable foundation, which is financed from the personal funds of a businessman. The Fund has carried out more than 400 programs, the total budget of which amounted to almost 7 billion rubles. Engaged Charitable organization Deripaska activities in the field of education, science and culture, sports. The Foundation also provides assistance to the Hermitage, many theaters, monasteries and educational centers throughout our country.
The role of patrons in modern Russia can be played not only by big businessmen, but also by officials and commercial structures. Charity is carried out by JSC "Gazprom", JSC "Lukoil", CB "Alfa Bank" and many other companies and banks.
I would especially like to mention Dmitry Borisovich Zimin, the founder of OJSC Vympel-Communications. Since 2001, having achieved a steady profitability of the company, he retired and devoted himself entirely to charity. He founded the Enlightener Prize and the Dynasty Foundation. According to Zimin himself, he donated all his capital to charity for free. The foundation he created is engaged in supporting the fundamental science of Russia.
Of course, modern patronage has not reached the level that was observed in the "golden" XIX years century. Now it is fragmentary, while the benefactors of the past centuries provided systematic support to culture and science.
Does philanthropy have a future in Russia?
On April 13, a wonderful holiday is celebrated - the Day of the Philanthropist and Patron in Russia. The date is dedicated to the birthday of Gaius Maecenas, the Roman patron of poets and artists, whose name became common noun"Maecenas". The initiator of the holiday was the Hermitage, represented by its director M. Piotrovsky. This day also received a second name - Thank You Day. It was first noted in 2005, and I would like to hope that in the future it will not lose its relevance.
Now there is an ambiguous attitude towards patronage. One of the main reasons for this is the ambiguous attitude towards wealthy people in today's conditions of increasingly strong stratification of society. No one disputes the fact that wealth is often acquired in ways that are not entirely acceptable to the majority of the population. But among the rich people there are those who donate millions to the development and maintenance of science and culture and other charitable purposes. And it would be great if the state took care that the names of modern Russian patrons became known a wide range population.
MAECENAS
PATRONS, GAI ZILNIUS
(Gaius Cilnius Maecenas)
(c. 70-8 BC), prominent Roman statesman, patron of the arts. The philanthropist came from a wealthy family and was proud of his Etruscan origin (Cilnius is his mother's name, since it was customary to be called that among the Etruscans). Nothing is known about the Maecenas's youth, but since the battle of Philippi, he has always been under Octavian, the future emperor Augustus, true friend and whose advisor he remained until the end of his life. In 40 and 38 BC Octavian sent him on important assignments to Antony, Maecenas contributed to the conclusion of the Tarentum agreement between them in 37 BC. During his absence from Rome (in 36-33 and 31-29 BC) Octavian left the Maecenas behind him (in the second case, together with Mark Vipsanius Agrippa). In 23 BC The philanthropist, wanting to save his brother-in-law Aulus Terrentius Varro Murena, made it clear to him that the conspiracy against Augustus, in which he took part, was revealed. Perhaps for this disloyalty, he was removed from the position of the second person in the state (Agrippa became him, in whom Augustus saw his successor), but he did not lose Augustus' friendship. Last years The Maecenas spent his life in the luxury and splendor of his palace on the Esquiline Hill, in the middle of the vast gardens he had laid out. Many works of art were found on this site, and the so-called. the "Hall of the Maecenas" still stands on Merulan Street. It is assumed that this building served as a greenhouse or (more likely) a banquet hall. Dying, Maecenas bequeathed all his property to Augustus, and also entrusted it to the care of Horace, who, however, outlived his benefactor by only two months. The philanthropist also became famous as a patron of writers and an insightful critic, and it was in this capacity that his name became a household name. Virgil, one of the first who entered the circle of Maecenas, attracted here in 38 BC. Horace (in 33 BC, the Maecenas granted Horace an estate in the Sabine Mountains). It was Maecenas who persuaded the poets to support Octavian and the new state structure. The Epodes, Satires, Odes and Epistles of Horace are dedicated to the Maecenas, as are the Georgics of Virgil, written by his direct order. Later, Propertius, the author of elegies, also entered this circle. Horace speaks of Maecenas as a simple and sincere person. The patron himself wrote both prose (criticized by later Roman authors) and poetry, but only fragments of his writings have survived.
LITERATURE
Polonskaya K.P. Roman Poets of the Augustan Principate. M., 1963
Collier Encyclopedia. - Open society. 2000 .
Synonyms:See what "PATRONS" is in other dictionaries:
- [lat., proper name. Maecenas (Maecenatis)] rich patron of sciences or arts. Wed SPONSOR. Dictionary foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006. PATRONS Roman nobleman, patron learned poets. Now, in general, a nobleman, the patron of education. ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
See patron... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and expressions similar in meaning. under. ed. N. Abramova, M .: Russian dictionaries, 1999. philanthropist, benefactor, patron; sponsor Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
Named after the wealthy Roman patrician Gaius Cilnius Maecenas (between 74 and 64 8 BC), who patronized artists and poets. His attention and generosity to people of art were praised in their poems by the Roman poets Horace, Virgil, Propertius and others ... Dictionary winged words and expressions
Maecenas, Gaius Zilny; Maecenas, Gaius Cilnius, 70 8 BC BC e., Roman statesman and writer. He came from an aristocratic Etruscan family from Arretia (modern Arezzo), although his father's family had lived in Rome for several generations in a row and ... Ancient writers
A person who contributes to the development of science and art on a gratuitous basis, providing them with material assistance from personal funds. Dictionary of business terms. Akademik.ru. 2001 ... Glossary of business terms
- (Maecenas) (between 74 and 64 8 BC), close to the Roman emperor Augustus, who carried out his diplomatic, political, and private assignments. His patronage of poets made the name of Maecenas a household name ... Modern Encyclopedia
PATRONS, philanthropist, husband. (bookish and ironic). Wealthy patron of sciences and arts. (After the name of a wealthy Roman patrician of the Augustan era). Dictionary Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
PATRONS, a, husband. Wealthy patron of sciences and arts; in general, one who patronizes some n. business, undertaking. Sports patrons. | female philanthropist, and | adj. philanthropist, oh, oh. Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949… … Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov
- (Maecenas). Roman horseman, friend and advisor to Emperor Augustus, patron of Horace and Virgil. Died 8 B.C. (
