That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Russian merchant class - is now part of our history, the remainder in the last century, and we gradually begin to forget about the contribution made by the representatives of some famous dynasties. Meanwhile, in Tsarist Russia the word "philanthropy" was closely linked with the names of successful merchants. Many of these educated people, philanthropists and art with a capital letter, have had a huge influence on the development of Russian education and culture.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Bakhrushins

Successful Zarayskiy merchant Alexei Fedorovich Bahrushin moved to the capital in the 30-ies of the XIX century, with its enormous family. All items carried in carts. Among the numerous belongings in a basket sleeping peacefully little Sasha, who later becomes honorary citizen of Moscow and benefactor, and the father of famous collectors. His son, Aleksei Aleksandrovich Bakhrushin, fond of the theater and was even the chairman of the Theatrical Society. He created the Theater Museum through its vast collection did not have analogues in the world. The second son, Sergei, collecting Russian paintings, icons, books, searching and buying them on the Sukharev. Before his death, he bequeathed his library Rumyantsev Museum, and items made of porcelain and antiques - Historical Museum.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Peter A. Bakhrushin, the brother of Alexander and a famous philanthropist, with his wife and sons.

As for their father, Alexander, that he and his brothers built a falconer hospital field with a shelter for the terminally ill (in fact - the first Russian Hospice), and the Sofia embankment - a house with free apartments for the needy. In addition, Bakhrushins opened in Moscow a few orphanages and educational institutions, as well as providing a large amount of students on scholarships. Almost at each built a shelter or hospital Bakhrushins erected temple.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Bolshnitsa built Bakhrushin in Sokolniki. 1888.

Mammoth

This merchant dynasty originates from the merchant Ivan Mamontov, who did business in Zvenigorod, where he was known as a philanthropist. Two of his grandsons, Ivan and Nicholas, came to the Ancient very wealthy people.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Ivan Mamontov.

They have a good education and have a variety of talents. For example, known to this day the merchant Savva Mamontov was himself a gifted man (he took singing lessons in Milan, he participated in the theater circle writer-playwright Ostrovsky, and so on. D.), And was able to notice and appreciate the talents of others. It was he who helped the musical career Chaliapin, Mussorgsky, contributed to the triumph of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Sadko". Actors, artists, composers came to his friend, the merchant for advice in any field of art - ranging from the imposition of makeup and selection of decorations to vocal techniques. And I must say, his recommendations were always very correct and accurate.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Artists Repin, V. Surikov, Korovin, Serov and sculptor M. Antopolsky visiting merchant and philanthropist. At the piano - the owner, Mamontov.

A real island culture of the time was the estate of Abramtsevo, Mamontov which acquired the writer Sergei Aksakov and truly transformed. His wife, Elizabeth G., opened in the district hospital and the school at which earned craft workshops. This was done to ensure that rural youth migrating to urban areas.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Savva Mamontov and his wife and son.

In Abramtsevo came writers, architects and musicians. Repin, Serov, Vrubel, and other well-known artists painted their creations just in a beautiful estate of Savva Mamontov. For example, hanging a famous painting "Girl with Peaches" in the dining room of the merchant in Abramtsevo, which was written by Valentin Serov in this manor (posed Mamontov's daughter Vera) and gave the owner his wife, Elizabeth Fosdick.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

"Girl with Peaches" was written in the mansion of the merchant Mamontov.

Shchukins

This merchant family, whose founder is considered to be arrived in Moscow from Kaluga province Vasily Petrovich Shchukin not only deliver goods to distant cities in Russia and abroad, but also famous collectors. For example, the brothers Nikolai and Sergei were great lovers and connoisseurs of art. First collected vintage fabrics, lace articles and manuscripts, which after his death became the property of the Historical Museum. A second famous for that immediately appreciated genius such Muscovites obscure the time artists as Degas, Monet, Gauguin, Matisse, Van Gogh.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

And, are you jealous? ", Paul Gauguin. / One of the paintings bought by the merchant-collector

Despite the ridicule of others, Sergei buying (sometimes for token money) and treasured masterpieces of these artists, predicting them great glory. For example, in the dining room of the merchant hung 16 paintings by Gauguin, 11 of which he bought abroad in bulk. Most of the paintings from his collection can now be seen in the "Hermitage".

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

Merchants Shchukin with acquaintances and friends.

Another brother, Pyotr Shchukin, was known as an eccentric because of his "mania of collecting." It is with great enthusiasm bought antiques (books, utensils, paintings and so on. D.), And even opened a "Museum of Russian antiquities". Some of its exhibits were really great artistic and historical value. After the death of Peter Ivanovich of his collection came to the History Museum, something appeared in other famous museums, and paintings moved Tretyakov Gallery.

Demidov

Demidov's dynasty dates back to the time of Peter, when Nikita Demidov - a former blacksmith and gunsmith under Peter I of, - able to advance and received large tracts of land in the Urals for the construction of factories. Richer, he became one of the top aides of the king in the construction of St. Petersburg and donated for the construction of the future of the city large sums of money and metal.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

The monument to Peter I and Nikita Demidov Nevyansk (Sverdlovsk region.).

Subsequently, in the mines, which passed to his sons, large reserves of gold have been found, and silver ore.

Grandson of Nikita Demidov, Procopius, was famous as one of the most active philanthropists in Russia. He singled out a lot of money to help schools, hospitals and scholarships for students from poor families.

Tretyakov

Great-grandfather of the future founder of the Tretyakov Gallery Sergei Mikhailovich, and Pavel Mikhailovich arrived in Moscow from Maloyaroslavets with his wife and children, being a wealthy merchant from the old, but not very well-known family. While in the capital of commercial and industrial affairs of his descendants went well, this merchant dynasty never was one of the richest. However, due to its sincere and disinterested love of art Tretyakov brothers famous, perhaps, more than all the other merchants-patrons.

That the Russian merchant class made for the good of the country

The family of Pavel Tretyakov.

Pavel spent on the creation of the gallery almost everything he earned, and it seriously affected the well-being of his family. Visiting museums and galleries in Europe, it has become extremely thin and professional connoisseur of painting. And the results of this hobby Muscovites and guests can appreciate to this day.