How did patronage affect Beethoven work?

Patronage played a significant role in Beethoven's work, particularly in his early career when he relied on the support of wealthy patrons to sustain himself financially. Unlike many composers of his time who were employed by aristocratic courts, Beethoven sought greater artistic freedom by establishing direct relationships with patrons, such as Prince Joseph Maximilian Lobkowitz and Archduke Rudolph. This allowed him to create innovative compositions that reflected his personal style, free from the constraints of traditional patronage systems. However, as he gained recognition, Beethoven's increasing independence from patrons enabled him to produce iconic works that contributed to the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era.