Patrons of the XIX century

In Russia in the 19th century, one of the important features of the business world was the idea of ​​patronage - serving wealth to mercy and enlightenment. Patrons were called wealthy people who patronized scientists, artists, theaters, hospitals, temples and educational institutions. So who were the Russian patrons and what did they glorify their names with?

Patronage in Russia

Russian entrepreneurs of the 19th century treated their business differently than Western entrepreneurs. They considered him not so much a source of income as a mission that was placed on their shoulders by God or fate. In the merchantry environment, it was believed that wealth should be used, so merchants were engaged in collecting and charity, which was considered by many as a destination from above.

Most of the entrepreneurs of those times were fairly honest merchants, who considered patronage almost their duty.

It was through patrons of art that museums and theaters, large churches and churches appeared in Russia, as well as extensive collections of art monuments. At the same time, Russian patrons did not seek to make their case public, on the contrary, many helped people, provided that their help would not be advertised in the newspapers. Some patrons even refused the noble titles.

The flowering of philanthropy, which began in Russia in the 17th century, began in the second half of the 19th century. City palaces and suburban noble estates were filled with extensive libraries of rare books and collections of Western European / Russian art, which their owners presented to the state.

Famous Patrons

One of the most famous patrons of Russia was Savva Mamontov, who came from an old merchant family. Thanks to him, they built one of the first railways in Russia, connecting Sergiev Posad with Moscow. Mamontov also often hosted artists whom he supported by ordering expensive works from them. Mamontov's philanthropy extended to music - it was he who established the Private Russian Opera. In the Private Russian Opera, the legendary Fyodor Chaliapin sang, whose talent was first discovered in this musical institution.

Another patron of the 19th century was Savva Morozov, who provided material support to hospitals, shelters, cultural institutions and students in need. Pavel Tretyakov, who founded the Tretyakov Gallery, collected a huge collection of Russian paintings and took care of the Arnold school of deaf children, did not lag behind him. In addition, Tretyakov made large donations to the families of soldiers who died during the Russian-Turkish and Crimean wars.

Such patrons as Mitrofan Belyaev, Vasily Trediakovsky, Ivan Ostroukhov, Alexey Bakhrushin and Stepan Ryabushinsky also remained in people's memory. There have always been few people devoted to patronage of art, but each of them piously believed in a good deed and sought to fulfill it with all his responsibility.

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Biography and personal life of Savva Mamontov