Art Patrons.
Artists have had assistance from art patrons over the various centuries. Artists, whether they be painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, dancers and architects, have all been supported by someone . . . even several people. Art Patrons often give moral support, financial support and even promotional support to artists. This allows the artist to pursue their art and to develop their creativity.
Monet said this of Paul Durant-Ruel “We would have died of hunger without Durand-Ruel, all we impressionists.”
I have painted several portraits of patrons—as a way of honouring them.
The following art patrons are:
Marie-Laure de Noailles (1902–1970, Paris, France) Vicomtesse de Noailles was a French artist, regarded one of the 20th century's most daring and influential patrons of the arts. Marie-Laure was one of the most important, generous and daring influences in the artistic and intellectual life of 20th century Paris for many decades. noted for associations with Salvador Dalí.
Eusebi Guell (1846–1918 Barcelona, Spain) Eusebi Guell was an Spanish entrepreneur. He met young architect Antonio Gaudi at the Paris world fair in 1878 where he had seen Gaudi’s work at the Spanish Pavillion. . . . they became lifelong friends. Guell went on to be the the main patron to Gaudi’s various architectural projects by giving financial support. Gaudi is recognized today as the architect of several famous works in Barcelona. One of his works is the now famous cathedral in Barcelona called the ‘Sagrada Familia’. Gaudi was fortunate to have such an ardent patron and supporter.
Paul Durand-Ruel (1831–1922 Paris, France) Drurand–Ruel profoundly altered the traditional role of the art dealer with his unwavering and absolute dedication to his artists, both financially and morally.Durand–Ruel became a precursor to on the international art market, establishing galleries in Paris, London, Brussels and New York. Completely convinced by the talent of the artists he promoted and confident in his role as the defender of their art.
Theo Van Gogh (1 May 1857 – 25 January 1891, Paris, France) Theo Van Gogh was the younger brother of Vincent van Gogh, and Theo's unfailing financial and emotional support allowed his brother to devote himself entirely to painting. Theo died at the age of 33, six months after his brother died at the age of 37.
Edward William Frank James (16 August 1907 – 2 December 1984) Edward James was a British poet known for his patronage of the surrealist art movement. His family was immensely wealthy and owned a vast estate at West Dean in West Sussex. Edward came into his inheritance in his twenties and used much of it to support the arts. Edward James was one of the most eccentric and interesting twentieth-century collectors of surrealist art, arrived in Xilitla, Mexico at the end of the 1940's. The British writer was captivated by the splendour of the landscape of "Las Pozas" (The Wells), where he created a fantastic home, which includes a unique sculptural space unlike any other in the world.
In 1964 James established the Edward James Foundation a charitable educational trust, to fulfil his desire to nurture music, traditional crafts and the fine arts.
In 1971 his foundation gave his vast estate at West Dean in West Sussex to become West Dean College which opened as a centre for education and training in conservation and in the visual and applied arts.
Eusebi Guell (1846–1918 Barcelona, Spain) This is the second painting of Eusebi Guell that I have done. This one is larger than the first tries to capture more detail of the man.
Nadezhda von Meck (29 January 1831 – 13 January 1894 Russia) was a Russian business woman who became an influential patron of the arts, especially music. She is best known today for her artistic patronage of Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky, supporting him financially for thirteen years, so that he could devote himself full-time to composition, while stipulating that they were never to meet. Tchaikovsky dedicated his Symphony No 4 in F minor to her. She also gave financial support to several other musicians, including Nikolai Rubinstein and Claude Debussy.
