What primary role did patrons play in supporting the arts?

Patrons played a crucial role in supporting the arts by providing financial resources and commissioning works from artists, enabling them to create without the constraints of commercial pressures. This support often allowed artists to explore their creativity and innovate, leading to the development of new styles and movements. Additionally, patrons helped to elevate the status of artists and the arts within society, fostering cultural appreciation and preservation. Overall, their investments helped sustain and promote artistic endeavors throughout history.