A well-known philanthropist of our city. Patron - it sounds proud. In the old days, the word “charity” meant compassion for one’s neighbor, mercy. Various charitable institutions were built for those in need - hospitals, shelters, schools, colleges,

Patron is a person who contributes on a voluntary and free basis to the development of science and art, providing them financial assistance from personal funds. The name comes from the name of the Egyptian Gaius Cilnius Maecenas, who was a patron of the arts under Emperor Augustus.

“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 a necessary condition for the implementation of the tasks facing it.” (Magazine "World of Arts")

In the old days, the word “charity” meant compassion for one’s neighbor, mercy. Various charitable institutions were built for those in need - hospitals, shelters, schools, colleges, almshouses. Charity was one of the main virtues of Christianity.

In pre-revolutionary Russia, charity was usually not included in government programs to help the poor; it was carried out by private individuals and societies helping the needy. State aid was designated by the term “charity” (public charity). Charity was widespread in the state and public life of Russia.

The 19th century was the heyday of charity in Russia. The rapid growth of the economy has led to the emergence of a large number of rich people. Among them were those who had not only a lot of money, but also amazing spiritual qualities - generosity, a sense of compassion and, at the same time, an understanding of beauty.

Who are they - the most famous philanthropists in the history of Russia?

IN modern Russia The same names are always heard: Tretyakov, Mamontov, Morozov. But there were other philanthropists and philanthropists, whose names have been undeservedly forgotten. This article is dedicated to them.

Sergei Grigorievich Stroganov

Sergei Stroganov (1794–1882) – count, statesman, archaeologist, general, Moscow governor.

All my life I was on military service, showed considerable courage in the Battle of Borodino, took part in the Crimean War. However, his most striking and fruitful activities were in the purely civilian field. Russian education owes a lot to him. On top of everything, Sergei Grigorievich was also a great philanthropist.

Despite the fact that he held the rank of adjutant general and held high positions, Stroganov was indifferent to his career. He was distinguished by a strong and independent character, able to firmly defend his convictions, even if they contradicted the opinions of senior officials in the state.

Thanks to your spiritual qualities and deep education, Sergei Grigorievich was chosen as the educator of the emperor’s sons, Grand Dukes Nicholas, Alexander, Vladimir and Alexei Alexandrovich.

He managed to do a lot for his homeland. He founded the first free drawing school in Russia. It was available to all talented children, regardless of their class origin. “The School of Drawing in Relation to Arts and Crafts” (now the S.G. Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Arts and Crafts) was opened in Moscow on October 31, 1825. The Stroganov family continued to finance the school until 1917.

From 1835 to 1847 he was a trustee of the Moscow educational district and Moscow University. Contemporaries called this period the “Stroganov time.” In 1840, Stroganov showed all his characteristic strength of character and progressive thinking, sharply protesting against a secret government circular that recommended limiting access to university education for representatives of the lower classes.

For more than 37 years, Count S. G. Stroganov was the chairman of the Moscow Society of Russian History and Antiquities, founded at Moscow University. Every year he equipped scientific archaeological expeditions to the south of Russia with his own money. The result of these excavations in Crimea were rich Kerch treasures and “Scythian gold”, now stored in the Hermitage.

In 1859 he founded the Moscow Archaeological Society. He was the chairman of the Imperial Archaeological Commission, located in his St. Petersburg palace for 23 years. On the highest order, the count supervised the multi-volume publication of Antiquities Russian state", published in 1837-1874. At the count's expense, the St. Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir was restored. Stroganov was the author of a number of published works on the history of ancient Russian architecture and archeology.

He was a member of the commission for the construction of the Cathedral of the Savior in Moscow.

He was engaged in numismatics and left rich collections of Russian coins and ancient icons.

Sergei Grigorievich's son, Alexander Sergeevich Stroganov, was also interested in history and archaeology, was a member of the St. Petersburg Archaeological Society and was a famous numismatist. His collection of 35,000 medieval European coins is today in the Hermitage. And the breeding stud farm he founded still operates and is known as the “Pskov Stud Farm”.

Unfortunately, fate prepared a bitter fate for this noble and illustrious family. Today there is no one left from the Stroganov family except Helen Stroganova. Baroness Helene de Ludinghausen is the only representative of this glorious and ancient family. She is the great-grandniece of Count Sergei Grigorievich Stroganov.

Hélène was born on August 20, 1942 in Paris. Her grandmother, Princess Sofya Vasilchikova (daughter of Olga Stroganova, granddaughter of Sergei Grigorievich) left Russia at the end of 1917 along with her four daughters. In 1942, one of the daughters of Ksenia and Baron Andrei de Ludinghausen, a descendant of the Russified Germans (who lived in Russia in the 16th century), had a daughter, Helen.

For many years she worked for Yves Saint Laurent as the director of his fashion house. Now retired. Lives in France, in Paris. Engaged in extensive social and charitable activities.

Alexander Ludvigovich Stieglitz

Alexander Ludvigovich Stieglitz in different time was on senior positions in the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Empire.

Talented financier, banker, entrepreneur, Baron A.L. Schtiglitz was the richest man in Russia in late XIX century, one of the founders of the Main Society of Russian Railways, as well as director of the State Bank. The baron built the Nikolaev, Peterhof and Baltic railways.

He inherited capital and the title of court banker from his father, through whose mediation Nicholas I concluded agreements on foreign loans for more than 300 million rubles, for which the Russified German received the title of baron. Having an annual income of 3 million, he remained just as uncommunicative (the hairdresser who cut his hair for a quarter of a century never heard the voice of his client) and painfully modest.

His father, a millionaire and a zealot of education, intended his son to pursue an academic career, to which he felt inclined. Having received an excellent classical education at home, Stieglitz graduated from the University of Dorpat, where he showed great ability in science. He was interested in ancient languages, painting, and literature. After graduating from university, the young man traveled a lot around Europe, and upon returning to Russia, he entered the public service to the Ministry of Finance.

Alexander Ludvigovich dealt with financial issues all his life, but understanding the problems of ordinary people was not alien to him. During Crimean War They donated large sums for the needs of the Russian military: in 1853 - in favor of the Chesma military almshouse and in 1855 - in favor of naval officials who lost their property in Sevastopol. Considerable funds were spent on education, on the maintenance of students of educational institutions, on maintaining an orphanage in Kolomna, founded by his father.

On January 1 (13), 1853, on the day of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stieglitz and Co. trading house, the young owner of the company generously rewarded and provided for the future of all his employees, and no one was forgotten, including the artel workers and watchmen.

In 1858, simultaneously with a donation for the construction of a monument to Emperor Nicholas I in the exchange hall, Stieglitz contributed a significant amount for the maintenance of pupils in educational institutions capital in memory of the late emperor.

After assuming the post of manager of the State Bank, Stieglitz became concerned with the needs of his colleagues. With his closest assistance, in 1862, a savings and loan bank for employees in the State Bank was established, then for 3 years he supported the funds of the cash desk with donations (leaving part of his salary in its favor). In the 1880s, the deputy meeting of the treasury gave this amount the name “capital named after Baron A. L. Stieglitz.” From its interest, benefits were annually issued to widows and orphans of members of the fund.

In addition to the listed institutions, Stieglitz benefited many others at different times, including the orphanage in Kolomna, founded by his father, that continued to exist through his donations.

Undoubtedly, Alexander Ludvigovich loved beauty, although all his life he was engaged only in making money. And don’t convince his son-in-law Alexander Polovtsov, husband adopted daughter, that Russian industry could not survive without “scientific draftsmen”, if we did not have either the Stieglitz School or the first Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts in Russia (the best part of the collections of which later went to the Hermitage).

“Russia will be happy when merchants donate money for teaching and educational purposes without the hope of receiving a medal around their neck,” believed the Emperor’s Secretary of State Alexandra III A. A. Polovtsov.

In 1876, the baron presented his most valuable gift to St. Petersburg and Russia, giving 1 million rubles. to create in hometown Industrial Design School - Central School technical drawing(St. Petersburg State Academy of Arts and Industry named after A.L. Stieglitz, from 1953 to 1994 the institute was called the Leningrad Higher Art and Industry School named after V.I. Mukhina, “Mukhinsky School”). This is how a building in the neo-Renaissance style appeared in Solyany Lane, erected according to the design of architects R.A. Gedike and A.I. Krakau, which in itself was already a work of art.

An integral part of the St. Petersburg State Academy of Arts and Industry is the Museum of Applied Arts. The halls of the museum became the cultural, educational, educational and exhibition center of the academy.

The fact is that the industrialist Stieglitz collected in these halls the best examples of applied art from all over the world, on which he spent a fortune. Antique furniture, household items, and tapestries were bought at auctions throughout Europe. The baron exhibited all the masterpieces in the halls of the museum so that future artists could study only the best examples of art of all times and peoples, thus adopting the experience of recognized masters. Almost all historical eras and styles are reflected in the artistic decoration of the thirty-two halls of the museum.

Now the St. Petersburg State Academy of Arts and Industry named after. A.L. Stieglitz is one of the most famous art universities in the country. The Academy graduated from many artists who made significant contributions to the art and culture of Russia and other countries. Among the famous graduates are Adrian Vladimirovich Kaplun, Anna Petrovna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin.

Until the end of his days, Baron Stieglitz regularly allocated funds for the maintenance of the school and after his death bequeathed it for its needs a large sum money, which contributed to its further development.

On October 24 (November 5), 1884, Stieglitz died of pneumonia and was buried, of his own free will, in Ivangorod in the Church of the Holy Trinity, which he personally built over the grave of his wife, for the spiritual needs of the local factory population.

The will left by Stieglitz generally represents an example of caring for the institutions he created and the persons who were in any more or less close relationship with him.

Thus, by the way, 30,000 rubles were bequeathed to them in favor of the employees of the State Bank; His personal employees were not forgotten either: his favorite valet, for example, received 5,000 rubles. The total amount distributed according to Stieglitz's will among various persons and institutions was rumored to reach 100 million rubles (not counting real estate), but in reality it was more modest - about 38 million rubles.

It is interesting to note that, being a completely independent person, whose capital was readily accepted in all countries, Stieglitz placed his enormous fortune almost exclusively in Russian funds and, in response to the skeptical remark of one financier about the imprudence of such trust in Russian finance, he once remarked:

“My father and I made our entire fortune in Russia; if she turns out to be insolvent, then I am ready to lose all my fortune along with her.”

Solodovnikov Gavrila Gavrilovich

Gavrila Gavrilovich Solodovnikov (1826, Serpukhov - May 21, 1901, Moscow) - one of the richest Moscow merchants and homeowners, a multimillionaire, owner of a store and theater in Moscow, philanthropist; donated more than 20 million rubles to charity. With his funds, a theater on Bolshaya Dmitrovka (later the Moscow Operetta Theater), a clinic at the Faculty of Medicine of Moscow State University, a number of houses for the poor in Moscow, an orphanage, and several schools in four provinces of Russia were built.

The son of a paper goods merchant, due to lack of time, he poorly learned to write and express his thoughts coherently. At 20 he became a merchant of the first guild, at 40 he became a millionaire. He was famous for his frugality and prudence (he ate yesterday's buckwheat and rode in a carriage with only the rear wheels shod in rubber). He did not always conduct his affairs honestly, but he made up for this with his will, devoting almost all of his millions to charity.

He was the first to make a contribution to the construction of the Moscow Conservatory: with his 200 thousand rubles, a luxurious marble staircase was built. Built on Bolshaya Dmitrovka " concert hall With theater stage for the production of extravaganzas and ballets" (the current Operetta Theater), in which she settled Private opera Savva Mamontov. It was here that the young Fyodor Chaliapin, who had already established himself in provincial operas, performed for the first time in Moscow. Since 1961 and currently, this house is known as the Moscow Operetta Theater.

During these same years, Gavrila Gavrilovich decided to become a nobleman. For a person with the condition that Solodovnikov had, this was not difficult. Everyone knew perfectly well how it was done. Anyone interested came to the city government and directly asked how he could help the city. He was given a task, he carried it out, and the city wrote a petition to the highest name, and this petition was usually granted. So did Solodovnikov.

Appearing at the council in 1894, he stated that he would like to build some useful institution for the city. The council was filled with people with a sense of humor. They explained to the merchant that the city now needs nothing more than a venereal hospital. The subtlety of the situation was that, according to the tradition of that time, an object donated to the city was given the name of the donor. Consequently, the hospital built by Gavrila Gavrilovich should have been called "Clinic of skin and venereal diseases of the merchant Solodovnikov." The millionaire immediately understood where the fun was and refused the offer. He contacted the council three more times, and each time he was offered the same thing.

It ended up being that the desire to become an aristocracy won out. The clinic was built and equipped according to the last word then science and technology. In return, Gavrila Gavrilovich graciously asked the authorities not to assign his name to the hospital. The authorities agreed.

After some time, Solodovnikov received an order around his neck for a gift to the city and registered in noble book. Nowadays it is the Clinic of Skin and Venereal Diseases at the 1st Moscow Medical Institute; since 1990, the institute has a different status and a different name - Moscow Medical Academy named after I.M. Sechenov. Since nothing else was built in all subsequent years, the case of Gavrila Gavrilovich Solodovnikov exists to this day.

He died on May 21, 1901, after a long illness. After the death of the richest of Russian millionaires at the beginning of the last century and after the announcement of his will, artist Mikhail Lentovsky recalled: “I asked him: “Well, where are you going to spend your millions, old man?” What will you do with them?” And he told me: “When I die, Moscow will find out who Gavrila Gavrilovich Solodovnikov was!” The whole empire will talk about me."

At the time of his death, his fortune was estimated at 20,977,700 rubles. Of these, he bequeathed 830,000 rubles to his relatives.

The eldest son and executor, member of the board of directors of the Nizhny Novgorod-Samara Land Bank Pyotr Gavrilovich received the most, 300,000, and the least of all - the dress and underwear of the deceased - the youngest son, ensign of the tsarist army Andrei. This is how the father punished his son for refusing to follow the “commercial line.”

It is worth saying that the merchant did not forget about anyone in his will. Sister Lyudmila was allocated 50,000 rubles, cousin Lyubov Shapirova - 20,000, her daughters - 50,000 each, Passage artel worker Stepan Rodionov - 10,000, and the same amount for clerk Mikhail Vladchenko. In addition, the will mentioned a huge number of relatives, friends, acquaintances and even just fellow countrymen of the merchant, and each was marked with a considerable amount.

However, the real sensation was the second part of the will. According to it, the remaining 20,147,700 rubles (about 200 million dollars according to today’s accounts) Gavrila Gavrilovich ordered to be divided into three equal parts. He ordered the first part to be spent on “the establishment of zemstvo women’s schools in the Tver, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, and Vyatka provinces.”

The second - “to be given to the establishment of vocational schools in the Serpukhov district for the education of children of all classes and... to the establishment and maintenance of a shelter for homeless children there.” The third part should have been allocated “for the construction of cheap apartment buildings for poor people, single and married.” Solodovnikov wrote in his will: “The majority of these poor people are the working class, living by honest labor and having the inalienable right to be protected from the injustice of fate.”

The eldest son, Pyotr Gavrilovich Solodovnikov, was appointed manager.

The Moscow city government took up the task of fulfilling the will of the deceased. Houses for the lonely and poor gradually began to be built - in the area of ​​2nd Meshchanskaya. The first home for singles, called the Freeman, opened on May 5, 1909, followed two days later by the home for families, the Red Diamond.

The first had 1,152 apartments, the second - 183. The houses were a complete example of a commune: each of them had a developed infrastructure with a store, a dining room, a bathhouse, a laundry, a library, and an outdoor shower. In the family house, a nursery and kindergarten were located on the ground floor. All rooms were already furnished. Both houses were illuminated with electricity, which residents had the right to use until 11 pm.

Moreover, the houses had elevators, which at that time was considered almost fantastic. And housing was truly incredibly cheap: a one-room apartment in “Grazhdanin” cost 1 ruble 25 kopecks a week, and in “Romb” - 2 rubles 50 kopecks. This is despite the fact that the average Moscow worker then earned 1 ruble 48 kopecks a day.

The Solodovnikovsky House for families had 183 pre-furnished one-room apartments, each with an area of ​​16 to 21 square meters; on the floor there were 4 kitchens with cold and hot water, with separate tables for each family, with cold pantries, a Russian stove, rooms for drying outer clothes, and also a room for servants who cleaned the house; residents used a common library, a nursery, and a consumer shop.

It is known that, in accordance with Russian tradition, officials were the first to move into the “houses for the poor.” True, quite soon it was the turn of ordinary people - working people: workers, teachers, etc.

It must be said that Pyotr Gavrilovich himself was in no hurry and did not show zeal to say goodbye to his father’s millions. His polite correspondence with the Moscow authorities regarding the inheritance he left was long, many years and did not stop until 1917.

In 1918, houses and bank accounts were nationalized and Solodovnikov's charitable millions disappeared into the general money supply of the young revolutionary state. Soviet and public organizations moved into the cheap apartment buildings of the merchant Solodovnikov. In the 30s, “Red Diamond” was occupied by “Rospotrebsoyuz”. There was a very cheap and high-quality canteen there, but ordinary people were not allowed into it.

Yuri Stepanovich Nechaev-Maltsov

Yuri Stepanovich Nechaev-Maltsov (October 11 (23), 1834 - 1913) - Russian philanthropist, manufacturer, diplomat, owner glass factories, honorable Sir city ​​of Vladimir (1901), honorary member of the Moscow Archaeological Society, honorary member of the Imperial Academy of Arts (1902). Civil rank - Privy Councilor.

In 1880, at the age of 49, Yu. S. Nechaev received an inheritance from his uncle Ivan Sergeevich Maltsov (1807-1880), which included several factories and plants in various provinces of Russia, the largest of which was the Gusev Crystal Factory in the Vladimir region. Entering into inheritance rights, Yu. S. Nechaev also took his uncle’s surname ( sibling mother) and became Nechaev-Maltsov.

Uncle diplomat Ivan Maltsov was the only one who survived the massacre committed at the Russian embassy in Tehran, during which the diplomat-poet Alexander Griboyedov died. Having hated diplomacy, diplomat Maltsov continued family business, began setting up glass factories in the town of Gus: he brought the secret of colored glass from Europe and began producing profitable window glass. This entire crystal and glass empire, along with two mansions in the capital, painted by Vasnetsov and Aivazovsky, was received by the middle-aged bachelor official Nechaev.

The years lived in poverty left their mark: Nechaev-Maltsov was unusually stingy, but at the same time a terrible gourmet and gastronome. Professor Ivan Tsvetaev (Marina Tsvetaeva’s father) struck up a friendship with him (while eating delicacies at receptions, he sadly calculated how many building materials he could buy with the money spent on lunch), and then finally convinced him to give about 3 million, which was missing for the completion of the Moscow Museum of Fine Arts (Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin) By the way - a million royal rubles - a little less than one and a half billion modern dollars!

Fourteen years of construction and orders for casts in different countries were a true epic in the life of I.V. Tsvetaev and his like-minded person - a major entrepreneur and philanthropist Yu.S. Nechaev-Maltsov, who paid all the expenses: for stone, for Italian and Russian workers, for transporting expensive casts from Europe to Russia. Suffice it to say that for cladding the walls of the museum building, Ural white marble, Italian marble from Carrara, dark pink marble from Hungary, light green marble from Belgium, black Norwegian marble, Finnish granite and other valuable colored stones were used, extraction and delivery which were paid for without complaint by Yu.S. Nechaev-Maltsov.

“...It was mainly masters from Italy who worked on marble. For granite - ours from Tver. I imagine this Babylon. Light, heavenly-colored eyes, so you can drown, residents of Tver, Vladimir, and dark-skinned Italians with black eyes...” Valeria Tsvetaeva.

In 1901 alone, 90 wagons of marble were delivered from the Urals to Moscow, and another 100 wagons were supposed to be sent from the same place the following year. Glass manufacturer, wealthy donor to the museum, Yu.S. Nechaev-Maltsov, unbeknownst to himself, became the main builder of the museum and supplier of expensive casts to the museum. Today, his real role in the creation of the museum is revealed through the published extensive correspondence with I.V. Tsvetaev. Without Yu.S. Nechaev-Maltsov, the museum would have remained an empty dream of university professor I.V. Tsvetaev.

Surprisingly, the completion of the museum’s construction was also the beginning of the end for its creators: in September 1913, I.V. Tsvetaev died, and forty days after him, Yu.S. Nechaev-Maltsov. Having fulfilled their life's duty, they summed up an entire era when the idea, barely born, found real embodiment in the grandiose museum building that decorated Moscow.

“...And there was a quiet celebration of joy: it’s not dad who’s being given something now the mighty of the world this, and he gives everyone who is here now, all of Russia, the museum he created!..” (A. Tsvetaeva).

Not counting the museum (for which the sponsor received the title of Chief Chamberlain and the Order of Alexander Nevsky with diamonds), with the money of the “glass king” the Technical School named after I. S. Maltsov was founded - one of the best in Europe in terms of technical equipment (now the Vladimir Aviation Mechanical College ).

When constructing a building Historical Museum in Vladimir he donated glass for making museum display cases.

He erected the majestic Church of St. George in the center of the city of Goose, which became known under him as Goose-Crystal, and in the village of Berezovka - the Church of Dmitry of Thessalonica in memory of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. The temples were painted by V. M. Vasnetsov. Following the temple-monuments in Gus-Khrustalny, an almshouse named after I. S. Maltsov was built, and in Moscow, on Shabolovka 33, in 1906 a complex of a noble almshouse named after Yu. S. Nechaev-Maltsov was built.

In St. Petersburg, Yuri Stepanovich was a trustee of the Maritime Charitable Society, the Nikolaev Women's Hospital, the Sergius Orthodox Brotherhood, helped the House of Charity and Craft Education for Poor Children, and from 1910 was a trustee of the School of the Imperial Women's Patriotic Society named after Grand Duchess Catherine Mikhailovna.

For a long time he was a member of the Trustee Committee for the Sisters of the Red Cross, on the basis of which in 1893, under the patronage of Princess E. M. of Oldenburg, the Community of Sisters of Charity of St. Eugenia arose. Having become vice-president of the Community, he donated money for the construction under its auspices of two hospital pavilions and the building of the Shelter for Elderly Sisters of Mercy named after Emperor Alexander III. Financed the activities of medical institutions.

Nechaev-Maltsov was vice-chairman of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts and subsidized the magazine " Artistic treasures Russia", the editors of which were Alexander Benois and Adrian Prakhov. Currently, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Northwestern Federal District is located in the St. Petersburg house of Yu. S. Nechaev-Maltsov.

According to the will of the childless Yu. S. Nechaev, his fortune in 1914 passed to his distant relative, Count P. N. Ignatiev. In 1918, the enterprises were nationalized.

Soldatenkov Kozma Terentievich

Kozma Soldatenkov is an entrepreneur and one of the largest Russian philanthropists. According to official data, he donated more than 5 million rubles.

Soldatenkov belonged to a dynasty of textile manufacturers, natives of the village of Prokunino, Kolomensky (then Bogorodsky) district of the Moscow province.

Kozma Soldatenkov began his charitable activities in the 1850s. By his order, in the village of Prokunino, benefits began to be issued in memory of his grandfather and grandmother: until 1917, each girl who got married and each recruit received 50 rubles. With this money, a rural girl could arrange a wedding for 20 people and prepare a dowry: a bed, bed linen, three or four dresses. And the soldier’s family, in the absence of their breadwinner son, had the opportunity to spend the allowance on material needs - repairing a hut, buying a horse or cow.

In 1866, the Almshouse of Commerce of Advisor K.T. opened in Moscow. Soldatenkov in memory of February 19, 1861. Being a descendant of serfs who bought their freedom, Soldatenkov immortalized the most important thing in the name of the almshouse historical event- the day of the abolition of serfdom. The merchant built the establishment with personal funds and maintained it for 30 years. 100 people found shelter in a two-story stone building (construction cost 60 thousand rubles). Preference, according to the Charter, was given “permanent residents of the city and visitors of all classes and confessions, but mainly from former courtyard people.” Soldatenkov bequeathed 285 thousand rubles for the maintenance of the establishment.

In 1870–1882, Soldatenkov donated 1000 rubles annually. for the maintenance of the Nikolaev charity home for widows and orphans of the merchant class. With this money, residents were provided with improved food: poultry, game, veal, and red fish. In 1889–1900, he donated 10 thousand rubles. for the construction of the Alekseevskaya psychiatric hospital and 5 thousand rubles. for the construction of an almshouse for the city care of the poor in the Yauza part.

Soldatenkov is known not only as a businessman, but also as a book publisher. Over 45 years, more than 200 historical and works of art. The newspaper “Russkoe Slovo” (dated May 20, 1901) noted that the merchant “spent a lot of money on publishing major works.”

Soldatenkov's great passion was collecting paintings. His collection consisted of 269 paintings by Russian and European artists, among them are paintings by Vasily Tropinin, Alexander Ivanov, Nikolai Ge, Sylvester Shchedrin, Ivan Aivazovsky, Pavel Fedotov. The merchant bequeathed the collection to the Rumyantsev Museum with the condition that it be placed “in a separate room with the name ... “Soldatenkovskaya”.” For decades, the generous philanthropist invested in the development of the Rumyantsev Museum and Moscow University.

Kozma Soldatenkov died in 1901. The newspaper “Russkoye Slovo” wrote: “The whole of Moscow knew the good-natured figure of an old man as white as a harrier with softly glowing intelligent eyes.”

From the Kuntsevo estate (in the 1860s, Soldatenkov bought it from the Naryshkins) to the Rogozhskoye cemetery, the coffin was carried in the hands of peasants, covering a distance of ten kilometers. The funeral service was attended by Moscow University professors Ivan Tsvetaev and Sergei Muromtsev, editor of Russian Vedomosti Vasily Sobolevsky, deputies of the Moscow City Duma from the eminent merchant class Savva Morozov, Pyotr Botkin, Vladimir Sapozhnikov. The weekly Iskra noted:

“The deceased was known as an ideological publisher, an outstanding financier and, most of all, as a remarkable moral qualities Human".

The philanthropist bequeathed a significant part of his fortune to charitable purposes. So, 1.3 million rubles. Soldatenkov left the Moscow merchant society to create a vocational school "For free training in this, male children, without distinction of their condition and religion, are assigned to various crafts related to technical production.” 300 thousand went to the construction of the building, and 1 million rubles. amounted to untouchable capital, the interest from which supported the educational institution.

The school with electrical engineering and foundry departments for 320 students opened on November 1, 1909 in a three-story mansion on Donskaya Street (now the building houses the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Ecology of the Moscow State Textile Institute named after A.N. Kosygin). The duration of training was five years: the first two years taught general education subjects, the next three – special subjects.

More than 2 million rubles. Soldatenkov donated to the establishment of a free hospital for the poor “without distinction of rank, class and religion.” Soldatenkovskaya Hospital, as Muscovites called it, was opened on December 23, 1910.

The benefactor also left 100 thousand rubles. To the almshouse at the Rogozhskoe cemetery, 20 thousand rubles. Arnoldovsky School of the Deaf and Mutes, 85 thousand rubles. for scholarships and tuition fees for poor students at Moscow University, 40 thousand rubles. for scholarships for students of Moscow gymnasiums, 20 thousand rubles. for scientific prizes Russian Academy Sci. In total, the will mentions about 20 charitable, educational and medical institutions - recipients of assistance. The amount of donations amounted to 600 thousand rubles.

He was buried at the Rogozhskoe cemetery. During the Soviet years, the grave of Kozma Terentyevich Soldatenkov, as well as the large tomb of the Old Believers merchants Soldatenkov, were destroyed.

In 1901, according to Soldatenkov’s will, his library (8 thousand volumes of books and 15 thousand copies of magazines), as well as a collection of Russian paintings (258 paintings and 17 sculptures) passed to the Rumyantsev Museum and, as a national treasure, was kept in a separate room with the name “Soldatenkovskaya”. After the closure of the Rumyantsev Museum in 1924, they replenished the funds Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian Museum. Some of the icons from his collection were bequeathed to the Intercession Cathedral of the Rogozhsky cemetery.

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In development national culture In the 19th and early 20th centuries, a significant role was played by such patrons and collectors as Savva Mamontov, Alexey Bakhrushin, the Tretyakov brothers, the Ryabushinskys, and the Morozovs. But even today there are still many philanthropists among the Russian business elite.

Here is a list of the most famous philanthropists of our country, compiled based on materials from Forbes Russia, Kommersant, RIA Novosti and other open sources:

I.E. Repin. Portrait of P.M. Tretyakova, 1901

Vladimir Potanin

The president of Interros, Vladimir Potanin, founded the Hermitage Development Fund and contributed five million dollars to it. The businessman is considered one of the most consistent Russian philanthropists. Among his most significant sponsorship and charitable endeavors are the museum projects “A Changing Museum in a Changing World”, “First Publication”, the “Museum Guide” festival, grants to Hermitage employees, and the creation of the Russian Living Room at the Kennedy Center. Potanin is also known for donating one million dollars for the state’s purchase of the famous “Black Square” by Kazimir Malevich, which was in the collection of INCOM Bank.

Victor Vekselberg

Victor Vekselberg – big fan Faberge firm - created a museum in St. Petersburg of the famous jewelry workshop, where eleven Easter eggs of the imperial series are kept, which the head of the Renova company purchased from the descendants of billionaire Malcolm Forbes for one hundred million dollars and returned to Russia. In 2014, Vekselberg’s “Link of Times” foundation bought items from the personal archive of the Yusupov princes at auction and donated them to the State Archive.

Roman Abramovich

The owner of Millhouse Capital, Roman Abramovich, sponsored a tour of the Sovremennik Theater in London in 2010. The former governor of Chukotka, known for his passion for art, became the founder of the Garage cultural center, which, according to some estimates, cost the businessman fifty million euros. And in 2017, the reconstruction of the territory of New Holland Island in St. Petersburg, in which Abramovich invested four hundred million dollars to turn local warehouses and other buildings of the 18th century into a complex of museums and art galleries, is due to be completed.

Roman Trotsenko

In 2007, the owner of AEON Corporation, Roman Trotsenko, created the Winzavod cultural center, the reconstruction of the production premises of which cost twelve million dollars. Roman Trotsenko's wife, Sofya Sergeevna, is a famous Russian art producer, president of the Support Fund contemporary art"Winzavod", Advisor to the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.

Andrey Skoch

Businessman Andrey Skoch finances literary prize“Debut”, designed to support young authors. The prize fund is six million rubles.

Shalva Breus

In 2007, the owner of the Balakhna pulp and paper mill, Shalva Breus, founded the annual Kandinsky Art Prize, which is awarded for the best artistic achievements of the last two years. The prize fund is estimated at fifty-seven thousand euros. Breus' immediate plans include the creation of a new museum of contemporary art. It is likely that it will be located in the building of the Udarnik cinema, which Shalva Breus rents from the city. According to the businessman, about thirty million dollars will be needed to implement this project.

Alexander Mamut and Sergey Adoniev

One of the largest domestic projects in the field of art - the Strelka Institute of Media, Architecture and Design exists with the money of the head of SUP Media, Alexander Mamut, and the owner of the Yota company, Sergei Adonyev. Strelka's annual budget is about ten million dollars. Sergei Adoniev is also known for the large-scale reconstruction of the Stanislavsky Electric Theatre, after which the theater received a multi-purpose hall for two hundred seats with a transformable stage, a multifunctional foyer, six rehearsal rooms, workshops and workshops, a scenery warehouse with a lift and a sewing workshop. The reconstruction was carried out entirely at the expense of Sergei Adonyev, who, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, invested several hundred million rubles in the restoration of the theater.

Mikhail Prokhorov

Businessman and politician Mikhail Prokhorov financed the festival of Russian art “Unknown Siberia” in Lyon, at which the Russian National Orchestra conducted by Mikhail Pletnev performed, investing about two million euros in this enterprise, and also sponsored the production of the play “Stories of Shukshin” at the Theater of Nations. In the year of the bicentenary of N.V. Gogol, Mikhail Prokhorov established the NOS literary prize “to identify and support new trends in modern literary literature in Russian.” A prize fund of one million rubles is distributed annually among the winners and finalists of the competition.

Vladimir Kekhman

One of the most colorful philanthropists - Chairman of the Board of Directors of the JFC company Vladimir Kekhman combines charitable activities with the management of two theaters - the Mikhailovsky and Novosibirsk. In 2007, having become director of the Mikhailovsky Theater, Kekhman invested five hundred million rubles in the reconstruction of the building and organized several tours and gala concerts. (However, Vladimir Kekhman was declared bankrupt and is accused of fraud on an especially large scale).

Alisher Usmanov

Alisher Usmanov's charity expenses in 2012 amounted to one hundred and eighty million dollars. He personally established the Art, Science and Sports foundations, supports theaters, museums, and participates in social projects and in helping seriously ill children. In 2007, the head of USM Holdings, Alisher Usmanov, even before the start of the auction, bought a collection of art by Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya, consisting of four hundred and fifty lots, put up for auction at Sotheby’s for more than one hundred and eleven million dollars. It is noteworthy that, according to preliminary estimates, the cost of the collection was estimated by experts to be only in the range of twenty-six to forty million dollars. After the purchase, Usmanov donated the collection free of charge Russian government, it is currently on display in the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg. Two weeks earlier, Alisher Usmanov committed another act worthy of respect: he purchased a collection of classic films from the American company Films by Jove. animated films"Soyuzmultfilm" and donated it to the Russian children's television channel "Bibigon". The transaction amount is estimated at five to ten million dollars. Alisher Usmanov is also responsible for the exhibition “Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde” and the exhibition of William Turner at the Pushkin Museum. A. S. Pushkin, financing the publication of the magazine “Murzilka”, supporting the projects of Vladimir Spivakov, organizing the International Tenor Competition in memory of Luciano Pavarotti.

Alexey Ananyev

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Promsvyazbank Alexey Ananyev, known for his commitment to traditional Orthodox values, founded the Institute of Russian Realistic Art, for which one of the ancient buildings of the former calico-printing factory, built in Zamoskvorechye at the end of the 19th century, was acquired. The businessman constantly adds to the collection of the museum and exhibition complex. Now his collection contains about five hundred works of Russian and Soviet art.

Leonid Mikhelson

Chairman of the Board of Novatek OJSC Leonid Mikhelson decided to bring the light of culture to Muscovites and bought HPP-2 from Mosenergo, on Bolotnaya Square, in order to turn the power plant into an Art Museum. Previously, the businessman created the V-A-C (Victoria – the Art of being Contemporary) foundation, named after his daughter Victoria. The organization provides support to museums of contemporary art, sponsors young artists and their curators.

Oleg Deripaska

General Director of RusAl Oleg Deripaska actively supervises Kubansky Cossack choir and the Moscow Art Theater School Studio, which, with the support of the entrepreneur, toured Kuban, Siberia and the Volga region. Deripaska heads the Volnoe Delo charity foundation, which provides sponsorship to children with disabilities, the Moscow State University education system, the Russian Chess Federation and the Phanagoria archaeological expedition.

Mikhail Abramov

Businessman Mikhail Abramov created the Museum of Russian Icons in Moscow in 2011. It exists solely on the money of a patron of the arts and does not conduct any commercial activities, does not charge fees for visits and excursions. The magnificent museum collection includes five thousand exhibits, including unique monuments of the 15th–16th centuries. The museum, which has its own restoration workshops and a scientific department, was accepted into International Council museums at UNESCO.

Peter Aven

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alfa-Bank banking group, famous collector Peter Aven initiated the creation non-profit organization“Russian Avant-Garde Research Project”, which aims to combat counterfeit works of Russian art. He is known as an art connoisseur and philanthropist, a member of the board of trustees State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. S. Pushkin, collector of paintings by artists of the “Silver Age”.

Boris Mints

Chairman of the Board of Directors of O1 Group Boris Mints preferred the troublesome everyday life of a museum worker to the sweet life of a billionaire - he bought the building of the Bolshevik confectionery factory on Leningradsky Prospekt and decided to turn it into the Museum of Russian Impressionism, investing ten million dollars in reconstruction. The basis of the exhibition was the personal collection of paintings by Boris Mints, who for several years collected paintings by Russian artists bit by bit.

Sergey Popov

Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDM Bank Sergei Popov has been sponsoring music festivals of Yuri Bashmet and Valery Gergiev for many years, but tries not to talk about it. Amazing fact: the entrepreneur even entered into an agreement with a PR agency, one of whose main tasks is to minimize mentions in the press about Sergei Popov and his business. This is the opposite of PR!

Danil Khachaturov

General Director of Rosgosstrakh Danil Khachaturov sublimated his unfulfilled youthful dreams of becoming a film director into financing cinema. “Rosgosstrakh” paid for the filming of such films as “Eggs of Destiny”, “High Security Vacation”, “Freaks”, and personally produced the films “Inhale-Exhale” and “Generation P”.

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? This article will help you understand these difficult issues.

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 the real historical figure. 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 desires. 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.

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 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 the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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 at the end of the 18th century, when it became 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, an 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 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 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.

Brought up in deep religious traditions, Russian entrepreneurs and philanthropists believed that wealth is given by God, which means 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 stormy beginning the economic growth contributed to the amazing scope and generosity of wealthy people.

Famous patrons XIX-XX centuries - entirely representatives of the merchant class. The most bright representatives- 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, as well as 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 collapse of the Soviet Union, a lot of time passed before new patrons of modern Russia appeared. 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 goes unnoticed 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 the most influential and richest entrepreneurs in Russia, is the founder of the Volnoye Delo charitable foundation, which is financed from the businessman’s personal funds. 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.

Not only large businessmen, but also officials and commercial structures can act as philanthropists in modern Russia. 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 of the 19th 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 made sure that the names of contemporary Russian philanthropists became known to a wide circle population.

Everything in our life sooner or later acquires its meaning and name. Modern people call such a phenomenon as gratuitous assistance, patronage and development assistance philanthropy, charity or sponsorship.

All these concepts are united by a single meaning, but there are still features that distinguish them. In Russia, from ancient times to this day, each of these directions has been present. A sponsor, a benefactor, a philanthropist are people who provide assistance, but can it be called absolutely free? Let's figure it out together...

Terminology - a ray of light in the wilds of concepts

So, there are people who are ready to give their “hard-earned money” to support and promote the development of literature, music, other art and simply people in need of help. Why not unite the heroes under one name? What are the nuances here?

A philanthropist is a person who provides selfless and free help to those in need. A person decides for himself where, how, to whom and with what he can help. Benefactors do not ask for anything in return and often provide assistance anonymously. Entire charitable foundations are being created where caring people can contribute to the misfortune (or development) of strangers: children, refugees, the sick, etc. Charitable collections often go to support nature or animals. By the way, not only money relates to charitable assistance.

A patron is a person who voluntarily and free of charge assists in the development of science and culture. He attracts his personal financial resources for this noble cause.

Sponsor - someone who invests money in the development and prosperity of someone or something. The sponsor can be either an individual or an entire organization. Sponsorship can also be received by a specific person, company, direction, idea or any other activity. The concept of “investor” is similar in meaning, but the sponsor, unlike the investor, does not receive material benefits from the invested funds. Although he has his own interest. Most often, sponsors provide funding to get exposure in the media.

One way or another, by providing free help, each person expects to receive something in return: gratitude, attention, their own peace of mind or reverent joy from a good deed.

History of patronage in Russia

In Rome, during the reign of Octavian Augustus, Gaius Maecenas was the emperor's assistant and confidant. He was allowed a lot, Augustus listened to his opinion. Guy helped in every possible way creative people who fell out of favor with the political authorities. The name Maecenas has gone down in history as a common noun, meaning help, patronage, financial support figures of science and art.

Patronage in Russia originated in the 13th century as a branch of charity. Patrons of Russia are rich people who have achieved success in different areas. But they gained fame mainly through patronage.

Every person can do good deeds, regardless of financial wealth.

Chulpan Khamatova and Dina Korzun

Chulpan Khamatova can probably be called a face Russian charity, because it was she and actress Dina Korzun who became the founders of the “Give Life!” Foundation, which everyone has heard about. It all started with the fact that Chulpan became interested in the problem of the Moscow hematology center, which needed to raise 200 thousand dollars for a blood irradiation device. The actress became interested in the problem, told her friend Dina Korzun about it, and they decided to arrange a charity concert. As a result, “targeted” assistance acquired a large-scale character - Chulpan and Dina decided that they were able to help the smallest patients suffering from cancer.

“I am a mother myself, and I have two children. When I see a sick child the same age as my girls, my first reaction is: “Lord, thank You that this passed me by.” Because I can hardly imagine how I would cope with this,” Chulpan shared in an interview. Then I think, how does this mother feel, and how does she find the strength to smile? And where is the guarantee that this will actually pass me by? And then comes faith in medicine and in the strength of the spirit of parents and children. And the fear passes, and you realize that many problems can be solved absolutely calmly. We just need some actions, movements, actions.”

Stars who do not yet have their own charitable foundations participate in one-time events and charitable projects (which also does them honor), usually together with famous brands. By the way, not always cosmetic. For example, Megan Fox speaks out against domestic violence with the support of the cosmetics brand Avon, and LG attracts sports stars such as Tatyana Navka, Alexey Nemov and Svetlana Khorkina to popularize blood donation in Russia. Also, most recently, actress Nonna Grishaeva became the face of VTB Bank’s “World Without Tears” charity program, which deals with problems of child development and health.

Natalia Vodianova has become a real ambassador of good deeds - the supermodel has organized her own Naked Heart Foundation, which is engaged in the construction of playgrounds; Natalia also greatly supports children with disabilities and tries to help such kids grow up on an equal basis with other peers. The star traveled to Krymsk after a terrible flood, carried the flame of the Paralympic Games, organized charity auctions and races

The flamboyant pop diva Lady Gaga spends the lion's share of her income on charity. In 2011, the singer donated $1 million from her own pocket to a foundation that helps homeless youth in New York. Then Gaga “matured” into her own organization, BornThisWayFoundation – its goal is to fight bullying and raise tolerant teenagers. The star believes that anger and intolerance are the main problems of our time

Konstantin Khabensky is a very modest man; for a long time he hid the fact that he had done many good deeds. He founded a fund to help children with cancer, as well as creative development studios throughout Russia, giving ordinary children the opportunity to touch the world of cinema. By the way, it was Konstantin Khabensky’s wards who played in the film “The Geographer Drank His Globe Away.” Khabensky also actively advocates for the rights of orphans and against the “Dima Yakovlev law”

Elton John is one of the most famous AIDS activists. In an interview, the artist admitted: “I am very ashamed that I did not do more to fight AIDS when my friends were dying nearby, including Ryan. I just didn’t have the strength or sobriety to do anything about it.” Now Sir Elton John is the founder largest fund Aids Foundation. The musician also tried to adopt an HIV-positive boy from a Ukrainian orphanage, but he failed.

Madonna did not remain indifferent to the problems of starving Africa, and in particular the country of Malawi, where she found her adopted son. The singer founded the Rising Malawi Foundation and is trying to fight poverty in this state. Madonna opens schools there, helping orphans and people with HIV infection. With her personal money, Madge built an academy for girls in Malawi - the star is outraged by the fact that it is generally not customary for women in this country to receive education

A few years ago, Sean Penn's life changed dramatically - the actor visited Haiti after a devastating earthquake and decided to start helping this poor island. At first, Penn held several campaigns called “Help Us. Help Haiti" and then founded the Sean Penn and Friends Help Haiti, which now provides ongoing assistance to Haitians. By the way, his ex-wife Madonna also periodically visits Haiti to support Sean's foundation.

Justin Bieber often hears insults directed at him, although there is something to praise the 19-year-old singer for. For example, Justin regularly visits the Make A Wish charity foundation, created to make dreams come true for children suffering from terrible illnesses. He himself communicates with his little fans when he comes to hospitals. Bieber also founded the Believe Charity Drive, which receives a portion of the proceeds from all his album sales.

Model Gisele Bundchen donated her personal jewelry worth $1.5 million after the earthquake in Haiti and visited Kenya as a UN ambassador. Giselle is also partial to environmental issues and nature protection. In particular, the model spoke out against skin cancer, urging women not to joke with solariums and the sun. At the same time, Giselle helps raise funds for the UNICEF children's fund. In short, Bundchen tries to be in time everywhere and at once.

Shakira opened her charitable foundation Fundación Pies Descalzos (literally “Bare Feet Foundation”) back in 1997. During this time, her organization managed to do a lot of good - Shakira supports children from low-income families in her native Colombia. The foundation raises funds for sick children, and also helps those who want to get an education, military children and difficult teenagers. In an interview, Shakira admitted that the state pushes children into crime without giving them an education.