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Patronage in the Arts

One of the defining characteristics of society throughout the centuries is a deeply-rooted system of patronage... Galileo benefitted from the patronage of both the Marchese del Monte and the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo II de Medici. Patronage is most commonly associated with artists and the arts in general. The patron benefitted from the arrangement, sponsoring indicated substantial wealth and an interest in the community. Especially accomplished clients brought to their patrons added prestige.