Pero and Melko Čingrija

Art under the Auspices of Politics

Abstract

In addition to the previously researched and published political and economic activities of Pero and Melko Čingrija, this paper focuses on their significant yet almost unknown impact on the development of artistic infrastructure and artistic life in Dubrovnik from the last decades of the 19th century to World War II. They extended their political programme of affirming national identity into the realm of art. The various forms of support for the fine arts visible in the work of Pero Čingrija were continued with the same intensity and diversity by Melko Čingrija. In both, one can observe exceptional energy and decisions guided by their own judgments, without acting compliant or yielding to the opinions of others. These processes can be traced through their patronage, the support granted to individual artists, the organization of art exhibitions, and their involvement in commissioning, financing, and installing public monuments. Moreover, they maintained friendly relations with certain artists and often provided them with financial assistance. Some of their initiatives, in line with the spirit of the time, laid the groundwork for the next generation of initiators of artistic activities, and the results of their combined efforts are evident in today’s cultural institutions in Dubrovnik.