This is the salon of Gertrude Stein,
an American living in Paris during
the Teddy Roosevelt years. 

You’ve heard of Alice B. Toklas
because of Gertrude Stein.

You’ve heard of Gertrude Stein
because of those paintings on the wall.

Pablo Picasso was supported in his early years
almost excusively by Gertrude and her brother Leo.
Picasso might not have “made it” had it not been for them.

Likewise, the career of Salvador Dali was made possible
by A. Reynolds Morse, a devoted collector of Dali who
supported him through his early years and never quit believing.

MORAL OF THE STORY:
Do not begrudge the friends who make it possible for you
to remain in the game during your formative years. Every important
artist had a patron who made it possible for them to hang on long
enough to be “discovered.” An artist needs a head cheerleader.

“Cream rises to the top” is true only if you work in a dairy.
Otherwise it must be lifted to whatever height it will occupy.
Count yourself lucky if you have friends who are willing to lift you up.