MAECENAS

a selfless patron who promotes the development of science and art, allocating material assistance for this from personal funds.

Raizberg B.A., Lozovsky L.Sh., Starodubtseva E.B.. Modern economic dictionary. - 2nd ed., rev. M.: INFRA-M. 479 pp.. 1999 .

Economic dictionary. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "MACENATE" is in other dictionaries:

PAINTER, GUY CILNIUS (Gaius Cilnius Maecenas) (c. 70 8 BC), prominent Roman statesman, patron of the arts. The patron came from a wealthy family and was proud of his Etruscan origins (Tsilniy is his maternal name,... ... Collier's Encyclopedia

- [lat., proper name. Maecenas (Maecenatis)] rich patron of the sciences or arts. Wed. SPONSOR. Dictionary foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006. PAINTER Roman nobleman, patron learned poets. Now generally a nobleman, patron of education.... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

See patron... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and similar expressions. 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 glorified in their poems by the Roman poets Horace, Virgil, Propertius and others... Dictionary winged words and expressions

Maecenas, Guy Tsilniy; Maecenas, Gaius Cilnius, 70 8 BC e., Roman statesman and writer. He came from an aristocratic Etruscan family from Arretium (modern Arezzo), although his father’s family had already lived in Rome for several generations in a row and ... Ancient writers

A person who contributes free of charge to the development of science and art, providing them with material assistance from personal funds. Dictionary of business terms. Akademik.ru. 2001 ... Dictionary of business terms

- (Maecenas) (between 74 and 64 8 BC), a close associate of the Roman Emperor Augustus, who carried out his diplomatic, political, as well as private assignments. His patronage of poets made the name of Maecenas a household name... Modern encyclopedia

PAINTER, philanthropist, husband. (bookish and ironic). A wealthy patron of the arts and sciences. (Name of a wealthy Roman patrician of the Augustan era). Dictionary Ushakova. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

PAINTER, huh, husband. Wealthy patron of the arts and sciences; in general, one who patronizes what n. business, undertaking. Sports patrons. | wives philanthropist, etc. | adj. philanthropist, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949… … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

- (Maecenas). Roman horseman, friend and adviser to Emperor Augustus, patron of Horace and Virgil. Died in 8 BC. (Source: " Brief dictionary mythology and antiquities." M. Korsh. Saint Petersburg, published by A. S. Suvorin, 1894.) ... Encyclopedia of Mythology

A philanthropist is a person who contributes free of charge to the development of science and art, providing them with material assistance from personal funds. In the common sense, a philanthropist is a person who financially helps art and science. Title... ...Wikipedia

Books

Patron of the arts, Mikhail Bondarenko. The name of this man has long become a household name. For two millennia, philanthropists have been those people who unselfishly and generously help talented poets, writers,...

Patronage as a personality quality - the ability to give material assistance from personal funds on a voluntary, disinterested basis for the purpose development of science and art.

One rich philanthropist invited him to his castle famous composers. The guests gathered at the table. Music is playing. - Gentlemen! - said the philanthropist. “Now you will be served the best wine, the best among wines.” This is like Beethoven in music! When the guests drank, the patron turned again: “Gentlemen!” Well, how do you like Beethoven? “Not bad,” said one of the composers, “but are there also Mozart and Bach in your cellars?”

The word “patron” owes its origin to a real historical person - 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 glorified in their poems by the Roman poets Horace, Virgil, Propertius and others. For example, Martial (40-102 BC) in one of his epigrams addressed to Flaccus, wrote: “If only there were, Flaccus , Patrons of the Arts, there will be no shortage of Maroons,” that is, poets ( full name Virgil - Virgil Maron). Allegorically: patron of people of art and science.

Patronage at the essential level speaks of non-attachment to property, property, money. A true philanthropist understands with his soul and realizes with his mind that nothing in the material world really belongs to him. God gave him money and material goods V operational management. Therefore, he strives to give God what is divine, and not sit like stingy knight on chests of gold.

A true philanthropist has learned the following truths: - you can’t take anything with you to the next world; - your piety largely depends on how wisely you used the benefits entrusted to you; — the energy of prosperity can only be captured when you serve people, when you become a philanthropist and philanthropist.

Patronage in kindness is carried out from a pure heart, from the generosity of the soul. Patronage in goodness is the ability to give unselfishly, without the desire for fame. In a word, patronage of the arts in goodness comes from high morality and purity of consciousness.

Patronage in passion is subordinated to pride and vanity. This is an example of false spirituality. The desire to be called a benefactor.

The first philanthropist in the history of Russia, writes Natalya Semyonova, was Count Alexander Sergeevich Stroganov. One of the country's largest landowners, the count was best known as a generous benefactor 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, like Gavriil Derzhavin and Ivan Krylov.

Until the end of his life, Count Stroganov was the permanent president of the Imperial Academy of 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 philanthropists who selflessly and sincerely helped the development of culture and art in Russia.

The famous Demidov dynasty, the founders of metallurgical production in Russia, is known not only huge contribution in the development of the country's industry, but also through his charity. Representatives of the dynasty patronized Moscow University and founded a scholarship for students from low-income families. They opened the first commercial school for merchant children. The Demidovs constantly helped the Orphanage. At the same time they were engaged in a meeting art collection. It has become the largest private collection in the world.

Another famous patron and philanthropist of the 18th century is Count Nikolai Petrovich Sheremetev. He was a true connoisseur of art, especially theater. At one time he was scandalously famous for marrying his own serf actress. home theater Praskovye Zhemchugova. She died early and bequeathed to her husband not to give up his charity work. Count Sheremetev fulfilled her request. He spent part of the capital on helping artisans and dowry brides. On his initiative, the construction of the Hospice House in Moscow began. He also invested money in the construction of theaters and temples.

The Tretyakov merchants did not have significant wealth. But this did not stop them from carefully collecting paintings by famous masters, spending serious sums on them. Sergei Mikhailovich was more interested in 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 wonderful Russian patrons of the arts. If we talk only about the collection of paintings by Pavel Mikhailovich, then throughout his life the philanthropist Tretyakov spent about a million rubles on it. An incredible amount for those times. Tretyakov began collecting his collection of Russian paintings in his youth. Even then, he had a precisely set goal - to open a national public gallery so that anyone could visit it for free and become familiar with the masterpieces of Russian art. visual arts. We owe the Tretyakov brothers a magnificent monument to Russian philanthropy - the Tretyakov Gallery.

Peter Kovalev

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The meaning of the word philanthropist

philanthropist in the crossword dictionary

Economic dictionary of terms

Maecenas

a selfless patron who promotes the development of science and art by providing material assistance from personal funds.

Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language. D.N. Ushakov

Maecenas

philanthropist, m. (book and ironic). A wealthy patron of the arts and sciences. (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 the sciences and arts; in general, one who patronizes something. business, undertaking. Sports patrons.

and. philanthropist, -i.

adj. philanthropist, -aya, -oe.

New explanatory dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova.

Maecenas

m. Rich patron of sciences and arts.

Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998

Maecenas

Maecenas (Maecenas) (between 74 and 64-8 BC) in Dr. In Rome, a close associate of Emperor Augustus, who carried out his diplomatic, political, and private assignments. His patronage of poets made Maecenas a household name.

Maecenas

Maecenas- a person who contributes on a voluntary and free basis to the development of science and art, 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 Cilnius Maecenas, who was a patron of the arts under Emperor Augustus. As a confidant of the Emperor Octavian Augustus, he conducted state affairs without holding 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 organize the state and consolidate power. In his relations with Augustus, he was free from servility and ingratiation 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 Maecenas. With the support of the emperor, Maecenas directed a significant portion of the finances accumulated by the Roman Empire to encourage and support the creative industries. This is how a system of state financial support for culture or the world of art was created. With the help of investments in art, the political problems of great Rome were solved, strengthening the position and power of the Roman Empire and its power. Therefore, one cannot assume that a philanthropist is a disinterested person who does good to people for free. A patron is someone who, by supporting art, develops the spirituality of society as necessary condition implementation of the tasks facing it.

Over time, wealthy patrons of culture, art and science began to be called patrons of the arts. Many of them entered the history of culture along with outstanding artists, writers, actors, because they contributed to the development of their creativity, the prosperity of art, and the introduction of the broad masses to the best cultural achievements. As a shining example patronage of the arts can be cited by the Medici family, whose representatives from the 13th to the 18th centuries repeatedly became the rulers of Florence. They gained the greatest fame as sponsors of the most outstanding geniuses of the Renaissance.

Another example is the dynasty of bankers and public figures Rothschilds, who throughout the 20th century had greatest fortune in modern world history. They began their ascent to upper layers 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 money, Mayer opened the first Rothschild bank, where it was possible to exchange the money of some German principalities for others, exchange and sell coins and medals, antiques. Over time, this trend has only strengthened - to mid-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 shock, and on the other hand, they characterized the Rothschilds not so much as accumulators of wealth, but also as people capable of appreciating beauty.

The development of philanthropy 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 and extensive libraries were collected in country noble estates and city palaces. Among the famous Russian philanthropists are Mamontov, Morozov, Ryabushinsky, Bakhrushin and the Tretyakovs.

Examples of the use of the word philanthropist in literature.

An art circle in Abramtsevo, the soul of which was a Russian entrepreneur and Maecenas WITH.

Enter Caesar and his council of war: Agrippa, Dolabella, Maecenas, Gall, Proculeus and others.

From among the aristocracy of that time, a young man of the best surname soon attracted the attention of himself, who distinguished himself already in his young years in the state field, an ardent admirer of everything true, sublime, a zealot of everything that gave birth to the art and mind of man, who prophesied in himself philanthropist.

In subsequent years, all the beneficiaries, following my example, went to visit Meyerhold, and he never refused, took a box, paid heavily and became philanthropist.

Through a miraculous deliverance, paving the way for oneself into the spatial world of the higher spheres, contracting and gradually expanding in time with the rhythmic essence of that difficult but mysterious space in the openings of whose caves, curtaining themselves with stalactites and stalagmites, the resting, ever-existing, self-focused foundations of music itself, the unfolding 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 the chalk lime of the waters of the pool that have not been exhausted to the musical foundations, arising in imitation of the sacred loneliness of the thought of a ghost, tasting the bitter tincture of conscience for the purpose of rhetorically clearing the throat with a taste of time and rowan berries, which are absorbed in clusters in that frantic, unbearable stubbornness, carried away from itself, letting itself through the singing slot of consciousness, the stubbornness of thinking, wanting to arouse taste in things that have fallen away from being as such their internal

But ours wanted patrons take Vylka to Moscow and show her like a miracle.

Dalmatov released an announcement about my benefit performance a week earlier, presented me with a stack 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 had already directed a home performance.

If this is so, then in the next round of history, when decadence is a thing of the past, the planets are colonized, and peace reigns on earth, the dental historian will mention Eigenvalya in the notes as philanthropist, a judicious physician of the neo-Jacobin school.

Arapov did not hide from Langovoy that he was alone Maecenas, a certain 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 manufacturing adviser Kubyshkin and made us the most flattering offers.

A tax farmer passed before my eyes, a provincial drinking establishment Maecenas, a financial friend of the fatherland, an unpunished falsifier of the people's poison and a legalized rapist in the name of his rights to this, passed through a correct and impeccable official of the excise department.

Maecenas looked indifferently at such barbaric treatment of his library, and Novakovich and Moth quietly giggled, fidgeting with their bellies on the carpet.

Maecenas, having listened to this story, laughed, and the Moth exclaimed indignantly: - Bodyguard!

MAECENAS
Patron of the Arts, Guy Tsilny
(Gaius Cilnius Maecenas)
(c. 70-8 BC), outstanding Roman statesman, patron of the arts. The patron came from a wealthy family and was proud of his Etruscan origin (Tsilnius was his maternal name, since that was the customary name for the Etruscans). Nothing is known about the youth of Maecenas, but starting from the Battle of Philippi he was invariably under Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus, true friend and whose adviser he remained until the end of his life. In 40 and 38 BC. Octavian sent him with important assignments to Anthony, Maecenas contributed to the conclusion of the Tarentine agreement between them in 37 BC. During his absence in Rome (in 36-33 and 31-29 BC), Octavian retained Maecenas (in the second case, together with Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa). In 23 BC. The patron, wanting to save his brother-in-law Aulus Terrentius Varro Murena, made him understand that the conspiracy against Augustus, in which he took part, had been uncovered. Perhaps for this disloyalty he was removed from his position as the second man in the state (he became Agrippa, in whom Augustus saw his successor), but he did not lose Augustus’s friendship. Last years The Maecenas spent his life in the luxury and splendor of his palace on the Esquiline Hill, in the midst of the extensive gardens he laid out. Many works of art were found at this site, and the so-called. The "Patron's Hall" still stands on Merulana 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 patron 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 to enter the circle of Maecenas, attracted here in 38 BC. Horace (in 33 BC Maecenas granted Horace an estate in the Sabine Mountains). It was Maecenas who persuaded the poets to support Octavian and the new government structure. The Epodes, Satires, Odes and Epistles of Horace are dedicated to Maecenas, as are the Georgics of Virgil, written at his direct order. Later, Propertius, the author of elegies, also joined 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 works have survived.
LITERATURE
Polonskaya K.P. Roman poets of the era of the Augustan Principate. M., 1963

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "MACENATE" is in other dictionaries:

- [lat., proper name. Maecenas (Maecenatis)] rich patron of the sciences or arts. Wed. SPONSOR. Dictionary of foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006. PAINTER Roman nobleman, patron of learned poets. Now generally a nobleman, patron of education.... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

PAINTER, philanthropist, husband. (bookish and ironic). A wealthy patron of the arts and sciences. (Name of a wealthy Roman patrician of the Augustan era). Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

- (Maecenas). Roman horseman, friend and adviser to Emperor Augustus, patron of Horace and Virgil. Died in 8 BC. (

Patronage... The word is not quite familiar to us. Everyone has heard it at least once in their lives, but not everyone can correctly explain the essence of this term. And this is sad, since Russia has always been famous for the fact that charity and patronage of the arts have formed an integral part of its long-standing traditions.

What is patronage?

If you ask anyone you meet what philanthropy is, few will be able to immediately give an intelligible answer. Yes, everyone has heard about wealthy people who provide financial assistance museums, children's sports organizations, aspiring artists, musicians and poets. But is all the assistance provided patronage? There is also charity and sponsorship. How to distinguish these concepts from each other? Understand these difficult issues and this article will help.

Patronage is material or other gratuitous support individuals provided to organizations, as well as representatives of culture and art.

History of the term

The word owes its origin to a real historical person. Guy Tsilniy Maecenas - this is whose name has become a household name. A noble Roman nobleman, an ally of Emperor Octavian, became famous for providing assistance to 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 under threat for political reasons.

There were other patrons of art in Rome, besides Guy Maecenas. Why did his name become a household name and turn into a modern term? The fact is that all the other rich benefactors would refuse to stand up for the disgraced poet or artist out 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 political opponents of the emperor and because of this fell out of favor. And the only one who came to his aid was Maecenas. Therefore, the name of the other benefactors was lost in the centuries, but he forever remained in the memory of those whom he unselfishly helped all his life.

The history of patronage

It is impossible to name the exact date of the emergence 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, it was either a tribute to fashion, or a desire to show themselves as a generous donor and patron in the eyes of the rest of society. The authorities tried to provide patronage to representatives of the arts in order to keep them in subjection.

Thus, patronage of the arts appeared in the period after the emergence of the state. Both in antiquity and in the Middle Ages, poets and artists were in a dependent position on government officials. It was practically domestic slavery. This situation remained until the collapse of the feudal system.

During the period of absolute monarchy, patronage of the arts took 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 providing assistance, but the difference between them is still quite significant, and drawing an equal sign would be a mistake. 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 under certain conditions, or investing funds in a business. For example, support for an artist may be subject to the creation of a portrait of the sponsor or mention of his name in the media. Simply put, sponsorship involves receiving some kind of benefit. Patronage is selfless and free assistance to art and culture. The philanthropist does not prioritize obtaining additional benefits for himself.

Next up next topic- 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 engage in philanthropy?

Russian philanthropists and patrons of the arts have always differed from Western ones in their approach to the issue of providing assistance to representatives of the arts. If we talk about Russia, then patronage here is material support that is provided out of a feeling of compassion, a desire to help without deriving any benefit for oneself. In the West, there was a moment of benefiting from charity in the form of tax reduction or exemption from them. Therefore, it is impossible to talk here about complete selflessness.

Why, since the 18th century, have Russian patrons of the arts increasingly begun to patronize art and science, and build libraries, museums and theaters?

The main driving force here was the following reasons - the 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 philanthropy in late XIX- the beginning of the 20th century.

Patronage in Russia. History of the origin and attitude of the state to this type 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 personal assistance to those in need. First of all, the church was engaged in such activities, opening hospice homes for the elderly, disabled and infirm, and hospitals. Prince Vladimir started the charity by officially obliging the church and monasteries to engage in public charity.

The next rulers of Russia, while eradicating professional beggary, at the same time continued to take care of those truly in need. Hospitals, almshouses, and orphanages for illegitimate and mentally ill people continued to be built.

Charity in Russia has successfully developed thanks to women. Empresses Catherine I, Maria Feodorovna and Elizaveta Alekseevna especially distinguished themselves in helping those in need.

The history of patronage in Russia begins with late XVIII century, when it becomes one of the forms of charity.

The first Russian patrons of the arts

The first patron of the arts was Count Alexander Sergeevich Stroganov. One of the country's largest landowners, the count was best known as a generous benefactor 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, providing assistance and support to such famous poets as Gabriel Derzhavin and Ivan Krylov.

Until the end of his life, Count Stroganov was the permanent president of the Imperial Academy of 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 philanthropists who selflessly and sincerely helped the development of culture and art in Russia.

The famous Demidov dynasty, the founders of metallurgical production in Russia, is known not only for its enormous 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 collecting an art collection. It has become the largest private collection in the world.

Another famous patron and philanthropist of the 18th century was Count He was a true connoisseur of art, especially theater.

At one time, he was scandalously famous for marrying his own serf, home theater actress Praskovya Zhemchugova. She died early and bequeathed to her husband not to give up his charity work. Count Sheremetev fulfilled her request. He spent part of the capital on helping artisans and dowry brides. On his initiative, the construction of the Hospice House in Moscow began. He also invested money in the construction of theaters and temples.

The special contribution of the merchants to the development of philanthropy

Many people now have a completely wrong opinion about the Russian merchants of the 19th-20th centuries. It was formed under the influence Soviet films And literary works, in which the mentioned layer of society was exposed in the most unsightly manner. All merchants without exception look poorly educated, focused solely on making a profit by any means, while being completely devoid of compassion and mercy for their neighbors. This is a fundamentally wrong idea. Of course, there are and will always be exceptions, but for the most part, merchants constituted the most educated and knowledgeable part of the population, not counting, of course, the nobility.

But among the representatives of noble families, benefactors and patrons of the arts could be counted on one hand. Charity in Russia is entirely the merit of the merchant class.

It was already briefly mentioned above why people began to engage in philanthropy. For most merchants and manufacturers, charity has practically become a way of life and has become an integral character trait. The fact that many wealthy merchants and bankers were descendants of Old Believers, who were characterized by a special attitude towards money and wealth, played a role here. 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 duty assigned by God.

Raised on the deep religious traditions, Russian entrepreneurs and philanthropists believed that wealth is given by God, which means that one must be responsible for it. In fact, they believed that they had an obligation to provide assistance. But it was not 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 contributed to the amazing scale and generosity of the wealthy.

Famous patrons XIX-XX centuries - entirely representatives of the merchant class. The most prominent representatives are Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov and less famous brother Sergei Mikhailovich.

It must be said that the Tretyakov merchants did not have significant wealth. But this did not stop them from carefully collecting paintings by famous masters, spending serious sums on them. Sergei Mikhailovich was more interested in Western European painting. After his death, the collection bequeathed to his brother was included in the collection of paintings by Pavel Mikhailovich. The art gallery that appeared in 1893 bore the name of both remarkable Russian patrons of the arts. If we talk only about the collection of paintings by Pavel Mikhailovich, then throughout his life the philanthropist Tretyakov spent about a million rubles on it. An incredible amount for those times.

Tretyakov began collecting his collection of Russian paintings in his youth. Even then, he had a precisely set goal - to open a national public gallery so that anyone could visit it for free and become familiar with the masterpieces of Russian fine art.

We owe the Tretyakov brothers a magnificent monument to Russian philanthropy - 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 railways 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 constantly visited here. Mamontov provided financial assistance and patronage to all of them. But the patron of arts provided the greatest support to theatrical art.

His relatives and business partners considered Mamontov 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 completely acquitted, but he could no longer engage in business. Until the end of his life, he was supported by all those whom he had selflessly helped.

Savva Timofeevich Morozov is an amazingly modest philanthropist who helped Art Theater with the condition that his name would not be mentioned in the newspapers on this occasion. And the other representatives of this dynasty provided invaluable assistance in the development of culture and art. Sergei Timofeevich Morozov was fond of Russian decorative and applied arts; the collection he collected formed the center of the Handicraft Museum in Moscow. Ivan Abramovich was the patron of the then unknown Marc Chagall.

Modernity

The revolution and the events that followed it interrupted the wonderful traditions of Russian patronage. And after the breakup Soviet Union it took a long time before new patrons appeared 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 covered extremely sparingly in the media. Only isolated cases become known to the general public, and most of the work of sponsors, philanthropists and charitable foundations passes by the population. If you now ask anyone you meet: “Which contemporary philanthropists do you know?”, hardly anyone will answer this question. Meanwhile, you need to know such people.

Among Russian entrepreneurs 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 a foundation bearing his name, which is engaged in large projects in the field of education and culture. As Chairman of the Hermitage Board of Trustees, he has already donated 5 million rubles to it.

Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska, one of Russia's most influential and richest entrepreneurs, is the founder charitable foundation“Free Business”, which is financed from the personal funds of a businessman. The Foundation conducted more than 400 programs, the budget of which totaled almost 7 billion rubles. Deripaska's charitable organization is engaged in activities in the field of education, science and culture, and sports. The foundation also provides assistance to the Hermitage, many theaters, monasteries and educational centers throughout our country.

In modern Russia, not only people can act as philanthropists big businessmen, but also officials and commercial structures. OJSC Gazprom, JSC Lukoil, CB Alfa Bank and many other companies and banks are involved in charity work.

I would especially like to mention Dmitry Borisovich Zimin, founder of Vympel-Communications OJSC. Since 2001, having achieved sustainable 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 completely free of charge. The foundation he created supports fundamental science in Russia.

Of course, modern patronage has not reached the level that was observed in the “golden” years XIX century. Now it is fragmentary, while philanthropists of past centuries provided systematic support to culture and science.

Is there a future for philanthropy in Russia?

April 13 is a wonderful holiday - Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts Day in Russia. The date coincides with the birthday of Guy Maecenas, the Roman patron of poets and artists, whose name became the common noun “philanthropist”. The initiator of the holiday was the Hermitage in the person of its director M. Piotrovsky. This day also received a second name - Thank You Day. It was first celebrated in 2005, and I would like to hope that it will not lose its relevance in the future.

Nowadays there is an ambiguous attitude towards philanthropy. One of the main reasons for this is the ambiguous attitude towards wealthy people in the conditions of increasingly strong stratification of society that exist today. No one disputes 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 also those who give millions to the development and maintenance of science and culture and other charitable purposes. And it would be great if the state took care to ensure that the names of contemporary Russian philanthropists become known to a wide circle population.