#artist-independence

#artist-independence

Before art dealers entered the scene in the 19th century, artists would mostly sell their work to patrons without the aid of a middleman. Michelangelo spoke to his small but powerful group of patrons directly, while Rembrandt organised his own commissions and sold his art from a "shop" next to his studio. Today, as the art market's power dynamics continue to evolve, an increasing number of artists are once again taking a more independent approach to the making, marketing and selling of their art.