Patronage
When a rich person or group pays an artist to make art.
What is it?
Patronage is the support that artists receive from wealthy individuals, families, or churches. In the Renaissance, patrons like the Medici family paid artists to create paintings, sculptures, and buildings. In the painting you captured, the donors are the patrons. They paid Ghirlandaio to make this altarpiece for a church. In return, they were shown in the painting, often kneeling, to show their devotion.
Why it matters
Patronage made much of the great art we see in museums possible. Without patrons, many famous artworks would not exist. Understanding patronage helps us see why certain subjects were painted and who had power in society.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more artworks made with patronage.