Who paid artists in the medieval times?

In medieval times, artists were primarily supported by patrons, which included the Church, nobility, and wealthy merchants. The Church commissioned many artworks for religious purposes, while nobles often employed artists to create portraits, sculptures, and decorative works for their estates. Additionally, guilds played a role in supporting artists by providing training and opportunities for work. Overall, the financial backing of these patrons was crucial for the survival and growth of artistic endeavors during this period.