For many centuries, art has depended on the rich. Without them, many of the greatest works of art that the world now celebrates would never have come into being, and many of the greatest artists would not have been able to make a living. In the past, however, wealth was generally in the hands of royalty or those at the very top of religious institutions; for the latter, it was limited by political concerns, and the former were not always known for their taste. Today, the picture is very different as the self-made rich exercise their intelligence in their cultivation of art and many seek to collect famous works. Another shift that has taken place is that art is no longer restricted to the interior of palaces and churches – now it appears in galleries where everybody can enjoy it. This is largely thanks to wealthy philanthropists who donate works they have acquired or lend their

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