Can friendship exist between artists?

*Source: The image above is from the Matisse and Rouault exhibition (from the Abeno Harukas Art Museum poster)

Painters Georges Rouault and Henri Matisse.

The two studied together under the Symbolist master Gustave Moreau and pushed each other to improve, but their painting styles became completely different over time.

Moreau did not impose his own style on his students; he valued their individual personalities and seems to have been a great mentor who brought out their talents.

Rouault revered Moreau throughout his life, and after Moreau's death, he served as the first director of the Musée Gustave Moreau, which opened in Moreau's former residence.

Rouault was also very strict with himself; even after a work was finished, he would continue to add brushstrokes until he was satisfied. In his later years, he burned many works that he felt would not be completed before his death.

Despite this, his friendship with the very different Matisse lasted for 50 long years, remaining unchanged throughout. Many of their exchanged letters still remain.

By the way, speaking of friendship, the one between Matisse and Picasso is also well known.
The nuances of this are introduced in a chapter (Beautiful Grave) of Maha Harada's short story collection, "The Table of Giverny." At first, they seem to have had an intense rivalry due to their differing artistic sensibilities, but this evolved into mutual recognition and friendship.