During the Renaissance period in European history why was it that some rulers advanced art so much? (For example the Medici’s in Florence)
Was it seen as a diversion or a means of solidifying the power of the rulers in the minds of the people? What was the motivation to pursue it alongside or over territorial ambitions?
For example the construction of the Cathedral in Florence during the 1400s was often stalled due to payments during the war between the Florentine alliance and the Papal States, much of the Cathedral was already built with exception of the dome but what was delayed was the work of artisans, etc.
So what was the motivation to support the arts as much as Renaissance rulers and leaders did? What did they feel they could get out of it?
Art was advertising of one’s power and wealth, and often of one’s godliness.
A cathedral in particular would have been a public works program as well as public art. It’s saying “look how splendidly your ruler glorifies God” and also “look how splendidly your ruler tends to your souls on your behalf.”
Status. The patronage of Art was seen as a virtue, and a way to flaunt your wealth and success. Think of it as the Lambo and Rolex of the day. Families would “adopt” artists to do portraits, frescos, sculptures, etc. to one-up the Jonesinis down the block.
Leaders and the Church got into the Art racket in the same way. “Florence has Michelangelo. All lousy Milan has is that lousy da Vinci dude.” “Our church must show Glory Unto God. The people will want to come to church to see all the Art.”
Note that the status and all that which can actually be used to pay for all that art comes from wealth. The Medici were in the banking business. They made a ton of money and art was a way to spend it.
When artists hear that someone is paying for art, they naturally show up.
Power is only useful in this regard if it gains you money.
As others have said, it’s the same reason powerful people nowadays drive luxury cars and wear five thousand dollar suits. It’s a means of demonstrating that you command the resources to do things like that.
Conspicuous consumption in an age when there really weren’t a lot of ways to flaunt wealth OTHER than to sponsor art, music or architecture, especially sacred architecture. The Church had a lot of power itself and patronage of sacred projects (sacred art, cathedrals, shrines, sponsorship of pilgrimages) was a multiplier of your influence with the Church.
also there was a bit of city state nationalism/boosting ala "look at us we have beautiful things and learned citizens unlike the next city of cow shit and ignorant peasants down the road "