The name of Savva Mamontov is known not only in Russia, but also in other countries. Thanks to this patron, millions of tourists from all over the world have the opportunity to admire the masterpieces of Russian painting.
Biography
Mamontov was born on October 2, 1841 in a wealthy merchant family in the northern city of Yalutorovsk. In total, the family had seven children. When he was 8 years old they moved to Moscow. Ivan Fedorovich - the father of the young Savva was a merchant of the first guild and earned wine by farmers. In Moscow, he was in charge of the farmer’s farm. Things were going very well, and the family lived in great prosperity. The Mamontovs rented a mansion on Meshchanskaya Street and regularly held dinner parties and creative evenings there.
Despite belonging to the merchants, the Mamontov family paid great attention to education, literature, theater, art and music. Savva's parents were educated and sophisticated people, which in the future greatly influenced the worldview and interests of their children. Education of children involved in foreign tutors.
First, Savva studied at a simple gymnasium, and then at the Institute of the Corps of Civil Engineers in St. Petersburg. Then Mamontov entered Moscow University at the Faculty of Law. However, the main hobby of the young Savva was the theater. The future philanthropist revolved among the intelligentsia and went to almost all premieres.
To continue the family business, Savva left for Baku in 1862, where he became head of the Moscow branch of the Trans-Caspian community.
In order to broaden his horizons and strengthen his health, Mamontov left for Italy in 1864. Another purpose of the trip was an interest in the silk trade. In Milan, Savva Ivanovich was amazed at the work of the La Scala theater.
After the death of his father, the whole business passed to Savva, who was assisted by the managers in the conduct of business. As a result, it turned out not just to save, but also to increase capital. Mamontov was engaged in many types of activities, ranging from trade in building materials, ending with railways and social activities.
Charity
Despite all his busyness, Mamontov did not cease to be interested in art. He communicated and was friends with many artists of that time. Interestingly, the painters not only received material assistance from the philanthropist, they could live and work for months in the Mamontov estate. Thanks to the help of Savva Ivanovich, such geniuses of painting as Vasnetsov, Vrubel, Serov, Korovin and others "got to their feet."
In the Mamontov estate, creative evenings were regularly held, at which verses and songs sounded, which later became a real classic.
In 1882, Mamontov organized his own troupe "Mermaid", which gives opera performances.
In addition to supporting art, Mammoth did many good deeds in other areas. One of his largest projects was the construction of a railway to Arkhangelsk.
Unfortunately, the adoption of a number of incorrect decisions led Mamontov to a loss of fixed capital, even reaching the trial.
