What is artistic patronage and how important is the patron's input? Examine the importance of patronage for the work of at least two artists dealt with in the subject.

Patrons exerted a strong influence on the creation and execution of art in Italy between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. Art served specific functions so that artists were paid to produce exactly what the patron wanted. The artist could be creative to the extent of his natural and acquired capacity but always within the conditions imposed by the patron. The system of patronage was a commercial process and artwork therefore reflected both seller and buyer. "…

…M. Dent & Sons Ltd: London, UK, 1966): vol. 4. A primary reference of artists and their works, listed in chronological order. Vasari provides valuable first-hand information on many of Italy's most famous artists. Vasari, G. The Lives of the Artists, Trans. J. Conway Bondanella and P. Bondanella, (Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK, 1991). A primary reference of artists and their works, listed in chronological order. Vasari documents valuable information on many of Italy's most famous artists.