How Does Patronage Function?
Patronage involves much more than simply “paying the bills.” Patrons establish the goals and essential characteristics of projects, and they almost always insist on the right to supervise (or at least approve) all the stages involved in the realization of art works. Patrons have been motivated by a wide variety of factors. In some cases, patrons are concerned simply with the production of art works that they find to be beautiful. However, major projects also often have broader social purposes, such as the commemoration of the achievements of an individual or organization or the promotion of religious beliefs or political causes. Therefore, in analyzing the goals of patronage, one must take into account the interests and experiences of those undertaking projects, as well as their social and cultural contexts. Although the concept may suggest benevolent support for artists, patronage seldom has been disinterested. Moreover, before the fourteenth century, patronage in the western world wa
