ABSTRACT
Rulers have often played the part of a Maecenas, either from a desire to establish their own prestige, both present and future, or for their own enjoyment. Their education, wealth and eminent social position have enabled them to become patrons to artists, musicians and writers. Sometimes they have been attracted to geographical discovery or the sciences. Is it necessary to recall the enterprises of the Portuguese prince, Henry the Navigator, the Empress Josephine's passion for botany, or the contribution of Emperor Hirohito of Japan to marine biology?
