Which new group of art patrons emerged during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, a new group of art patrons emerged known as the wealthy merchant class, particularly in city-states like Florence. This group included individuals such as the Medici family, who used their wealth to commission artworks and support artists, thereby fostering cultural and artistic development. Unlike the previous reliance on the church for patronage, these merchants prioritized Humanism and individual expression in art, significantly influencing the direction of Renaissance art.