patrons of Europe

Proclaiming that Europe could be re-united only by Christianity, he made the 9th-century brothers St Cyril and St Methodius, who had converted the Slavs, joint patrons of Europe with St Benedict.

From 1660, he built up a private client base amongst wealthy patrons of Europe, establishing the most prominent art studio in Rome of his time and, after the death of Bernini in 1680, he became the leading artist in Rome.

But the most telling tribute was given by Mr. Stern, the violinist, who compared Miss Tully to the patrons of Europe who were themselves musicians and who were thus not only generous with their fortunes but also discerning and devoted in their taste: "There are very few like her."