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Patronage

The patronage, or financial support, of the arts in Cincinnati is connected to the growth of the city and its significance as a center of industry. In the early nineteenth century, artistic production was supported largely by wealthy individuals who recognized that such support was needed for the development of their city. With the growth of industry, the audience for the arts broadened significantly, and influential patrons focused their efforts on supporting new cultural organizations such as the famed May Festival, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and a number of schools devoted to instruction in the fine and applied arts.

Odoardo Fantacchiotti
(1809-1877)
Praying Angel, 1848
Adoring Angel, 1849
Marble
Gift of the Archbishop of Cincinnati, from the Churches of St. Peter in Chains Cathedral and St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Price Hill, 1998.59-60

Notable patron Reuben R. Springer assisted in the acquisition of these two marble angels for the St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in the late 1840s. Working through sculptor Hiram Powers in Italy, Springer commissioned Odoardo Fantacchiotti to create these angels for the main altar. They were among the first European sculptures to come to Cincinnati.

August von Kreling (1819-1876)
Model for the Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati, ca. 1868
Bronze
Bequest of Eugene Booth, 1952.198

After the Civil War, patronage focused on civic projects that benefited the Cincinnati community. In commemoration of his business partner, Tyler Davidson, Henry Probasco commissioned the Tyler Davidson Fountain. This model for the fountain, which is located on Fontain Square in downtown Cincinnati, was designed by German artist August von Kreling. The fountain's theme of water and its many uses was an idea that was important the Cincinnati public, for the city's livelihood was dependent on the Ohio River. Today the fountain remains the city's most recognizable public symbol.

Hiram Powers (1805-1873)
Eve Disconsolate, designed 1859-61, carved 1873-74
Marble
Gift of Nicholas Longworth, 1888.86

Nicholas Longworth's patronage greatly benefited many Cincinnati artists, including Hiram Powers. Under Longworth's support, Powers was able to move to Florence, Italy, which was considered to possess the finest marble quarries and carvers. As a tribute to his great patron, Powers dedicated this larger-than-life-size marble sculpture of Eve to Longworth.

Tiffany & Co. (1853-)
Vase and Dedication Medallion, 1877
Silver
Bequest of Reuben R. Springer, 1884.483

Cincinnati's Music Hall stands as a testament to the great patronage of Reuben R. Springer, who funded over half of its construction and motivated the Cincinnati public to contribute to this cultural resource. In recognition of his philanthropy, Springer was awarded this sterling silver vase and dedication medal, both fabricated by the celebrated Tiffany & Co. of New York City.

Henry L. Fry (1807-1895)
Corner Cupboard, 1868-72
American black walnut and brass
Gift of Mrs. James Morgan Hutton, 1964.222

Continuing the tradition of artistic patronage in his family, Joseph Longworth, son of Nicholas, commissioned woodcarvers William and Henry Fry to decorate the interior of his daughter's home. The artists worked from 1868 to 1872 on an impressive series of hand-carved elements for the home, including this large Corner Cupboard. The commission proved especially fruitful for the Frys. Visitors to the home admired their work and requested woodcarving instruction; the Frys obliged by offering private classes in the early 1870s.

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