From the beginning of history, artists have generally been a marginal and impoverished guild. From this premise emerged the patron, a normally wealthy individual of high social class and with a special artistic sensibility. These people financed artists so that they could carry out their creative activity without worrying about economic productivity. Thus, we can understand patronage as an altruistic stance that prioritizes artistic creation over money.
The financial aid of the patron can be directed to all kinds of activities, such as the publication of a book, the publication of a record or the pictorial activity. On some occasions, the patron has financially supported intellectuals so that they could investigate without any monetary concern.
If we focus on Spain, two great authors like Lope de Vega or Cervantes had the selfless help of a patron. Several of the projects of the two writers were made possible by the generosity of Pedro Fernández de Castro, better known as the Count of Lemos.
The origin of the term and the role of patronage in the Renaissance
The word patron comes from an individual of the Roman civilization, specifically Gaius Cilnio Maecenas, a Roman aristocrat from the 1st century BC. C. who promoted the arts and with his money helped poets like Horacio and Virgilio.
Although patronage has existed since ancient times, it was from the Renaissance that it reached its apogee. At that time, poets, sculptors, painters and other artists received money from a patron to allow them to continue with their creative production. We know the famous cases of Bernini or Van Dick as sponsored artists or the case of Pope Julius ll, who promoted culture in general with his financial contribution to different artists.
Patronage in law
The legislation of some countries contemplates the possibility of a company acting as a patron of any artistic manifestation. In this way, a double benefit is achieved: financial aid to the artist and that the company acquires a good reputation as an entity. Currently, many companies such as banks and large corporations finance all kinds of artists and culture in general.
Despite the fact that the economic support to the artist has an altruistic component, it should not be forgotten that patronage laws usually provide tax exemptions for financing companies.
Photos: Fotolia - bsd555 - faye93
