Patron - it sounds proud. The meaning of the word philanthropist

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

One rich philanthropist invited to his castle famous composers. The guests gathered at the table. Music sounds. - Lord! the philanthropist said. - Now you will be served the best wine, the best among wines. It's like Beethoven in music! When the guests had drunk, the philanthropist turned again: “Gentlemen! Well, how do you like Beethoven? “Not bad,” said one of the composers, “but aren't there also Mozart and Bach in your cellars?”

The word “philanthropist” owes its origin to the real historical figure- 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. For example, Martial (40-102 BC), in one of his epigrams addressed to Flaccus, wrote: , Patrons, there will be no shortage of Maroons", that is, poets ( full name Virgil - Virgil Maron). Allegorically: the patron of people of art, 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 really belongs to him in the material world. God gave him money and material goods in operational management. Therefore, he seeks to give to God what is divine, and not to sit, as mean knight on chests of gold.

A true philanthropist learned the following truths for himself: — 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 be caught only when you serve people, when you become a patron of the arts and a benefactor.

Patronage in goodness is carried out from a pure heart, from the generosity of the soul. Patronage in goodness is the ability to give selflessly, without the desire for fame. In a word, philanthropy 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 Natalia Semyonova, - 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 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 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 huge contribution in the development of the country's industry, but also by its 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 the collection of art collections. 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 real connoisseur of art, especially theatrical. At one time he was infamous for marrying his own serf 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 on helping 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 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 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 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 the Russian visual arts. We owe the Tretyakov brothers a magnificent monument to Russian patronage - the Tretyakov Gallery.

Petr Kovalev

MAECENAS

MAECENAS

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

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

Economic dictionary. 2000 .

See what "PATRONS" is in other dictionaries:

PATRONS, GAI ZILNIUS (Gaius Cilnius Maecenas) (c. 70 8 BC), an outstanding Roman statesman, patron of the arts. The philanthropist came from a wealthy family and was proud of his Etruscan origin (Cilnius is his maternal name, ... ... Collier Encyclopedia

- [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. (Source: " Concise Dictionary mythology and antiquities. M. Korsh. St. Petersburg, edition of A. S. Suvorin, 1894.) ... Encyclopedia of mythology

A philanthropist is a person who contributes to the development of science and art on a gratuitous basis, providing them with material assistance from personal funds. In a common sense, a patron is a person who financially helps art and science. Name ... ... Wikipedia

Books

• Patron, Mikhail Bondarenko. The name of this man has long become a household name. For the past two millennia, patrons have been called those people who selflessly and generously help talented poets, writers, ...

Providing them with 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 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 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 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. They are best known as sponsors of the most outstanding geniuses 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, as a result, entangled almost all European courts with their financial network. Story 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 one could change the money of some German principalities for others, 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. Wonderful collections of monuments of Russian and Western European art, extensive libraries gathered in the country estates of the nobles, in city palaces. [ ] Among the well-known Russian patrons are Mamontov, Morozov, Ryabushinsky, Bakhrushin, Smetskoy, Tretyakovs and many others. [ ]

The question of patronage interests many. And first of all, this applies to those who want to help people. At this stage, the division of activities into sponsorship and patronage begins.

The most famous patrons

The first philanthropist in history was Gaius Cylnius Maecenas. It was his name that eventually became a household name and gave the basis for the emergence of the term "philanthropy". He became famous for his unshakable faith in people of art. When others turned their backs on the poets out of fear of the emperor, Maecenas continued to protect them and provide all possible support. The philanthropist was not the only one who provided support creative people but he was the first to remain faithful to the end.

During the Middle Ages, the tradition of patronage was continued by many famous houses. For example, the Medici family patronized artists, musicians and poets of the Renaissance. Perhaps thanks to the help of the Cornaro family, Venice became so beautiful, because they provided all kinds of assistance to writers, artists and sculptors. The Cornaro house ordered numerous statues from them.

The manifestation of patronage in Russia was interesting. At the origins of patronage was Prince Vladimir the Great.

The first recognized philanthropist in Russia is A.S. Stroganov. The count was one of the largest landowners and, moreover, a traveler. This is what allowed him to large collection coins and stones. Thanks to his support, I. Krylov and G. Derzhavin created.

The Demidov family became famous, among other things, for the patronage of Moscow University and the establishment of special scholarships for children from low-income families.

Among the scandalous patrons of Russia, Count Sheremetyev can be distinguished. His marriage to his own serf was able to glorify the count no worse than other deeds. The hospice in Moscow was founded thanks to Count Sheremetyev.

The 19th century is a bright period of patronage. It was at this time that the most famous modern collections gathered.

One of the outstanding patrons was P.M. Tretyakov and his brother S.M. Tretyakov. Thanks to them, one of the most unique collections of paintings was created in the 19th century. The merchants Tretyakovs were not too rich by the standards of that time, but their love for painting and frugality paid off. P.M. Tretyakov spent about a million rubles on works of art, a fabulous sum of that time. Since light hand brothers Tretyakov, the famous Tretyakov Gallery appeared.

A relative of the Tretyakovs (S.I. Mamontov) was one of the patrons of the time, he invested in the development of theater and painting.

Today, philanthropy is only reviving after the events of the revolution and the time Soviet Union. However, it is safe to say that this fashionable hobby is returning. An example would be the companies OAO Gazprom, AO Lukoil, KB Alfa Bank, as well as the president of Interross V. Potanin or O.V. Deripaska, founder charitable foundation"Free business".

The difference between a patron and a sponsor

A philanthropist is a person who completely disinterestedly helps people creative professions. Sponsors perform the same actions, but adjusted for the presence of interest. As a rule, the names of sponsors are quite well known, while patrons often remain unknown to the general public.

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 museums, children's children's sports organizations, young 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 a real historical person. 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 a 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 absolute monarchy patronage takes the form of pensions, awards, honorary titles, 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, then patronage here 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?

Home driving force performed here 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 the truly needy. 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 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 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, home theater actress 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 on helping 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 of 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. The fact that many wealthy merchants and bankers were descendants of the 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 certain duty imposed by God.

Brought up on deep religious traditions, Russian entrepreneurs-philanthropists believed that wealth is given by God, which means that one must be responsible for it. In fact, they believed that they were obliged to engage in the provision of 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. Started stormy the economic growth contributed to the astonishing scope and generosity of rich people.

Well-known patrons of the XIX-XX centuries - entirely representatives of the merchant class. Most prominent representatives- Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov and his less famous brother Sergei Mikhailovich.

It must be said that the Tretyakov merchants did not possess significant wealth. But this did not prevent 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. 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.

The philanthropist 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 doing business made him very tired. 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 of the Soviet Union, a lot of time passed 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 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 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 is engaged in large projects in the field of 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. 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 theatres, monasteries and educational centers throughout our country.

The role of patrons in modern Russia can be played not only by big businessmen, but also 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 timed to coincide with the birthday of Gaius Maecenas, the Roman patron of poets and artists, whose name has become the common word "philanthropist". 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 become known a wide range population.