Concept in Definition ABC

From the beginning of history, artists have generally been a marginal and impoverished guild. From this premise arose the patron, a normally wealthy individual, of social class tall and with a special artistic sensitivity. These people financed the artists so that they could carry out their creative activity without worrying about the productivity economical. Thus, we can understand patronage as an altruistic stance that prioritizes artistic creation over money.

The financial support of the patron can be directed to all kinds of activities, such as the publication of book, the edition of a disc 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 from the civilization Roman, specifically of Gaius Cilnio Maecenas, a Roman aristocrat of 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 Renaissance when it reached its peak. At that time, poets, sculptors, painters, and other artists received money from patrons to allow them to continue their work. production creative. 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

In the legislation In some countries the possibility is contemplated for a company to act 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. Today, 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.

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