Patronage was practiced as a social institution throughout early modern Europe, probably originating in Rome, but no one knows for sure.

It developed gradually as different families and individuals rose and diminished in prominence.

The patronage system is a combination of an old boy's network, the Sicilian mafia, feudalism, and the "machine politics" of some 19th century American cities. Patrons granted favors to their clients such as loans, gifts, legal representation, and protection. In return the clients provided favors of their own, political support, and social deference. Some clients were entirely supported financially by their patrons, and were naturally more loyal to their patrons than to the government.

Patronage is most commonly associated with artists and the arts in general. Working under an increasingly prominent noble made one an increasingly respectable craftsman. The social standing of the patron also benefitted from the arrangement. Sponsoring several clients indicated substantial wealth and an interest in the community. Especially accomplished clients brought to their patrons added prestige.

Patronage for artists and craftsmen persisted into the late twentieth century and was essentially replaced by galleries. More recently, government endowments and private foundations have arisen to help support the arts but most often these sources of funds are limited and are restrictive in many ways.