Patronage, not to confused with the similar word patronize, is the support of art by a patron, the patron being the one who pays the bills so to speak. In renaissance Italy, art patronage was everything to the elite. Whether they were paying for sculptures, architecture or painting, patronage was in reality a tool for social and political gain. Today, art isn’t often commissioned; instead it is made and sold like other products. However, every once in a while a patronage will reveal itself like it did in Cincinnati in 2000 with an event called the Big Pig Gig. In both past and present, patronage plays a role in more aspects than just art itself. Florence during the renaissance was the place to be. A cultural revolution pulled Florence and the majority of Europe from the medieval era into a new one with humanistic ideals. Art flourished during this time period through a system of patronage networks. Patronage was a social institution practiced throughout Europe for centuries. During the 15th century it reached a peak. In Florence, early patronage was associated with the church, which was a result of the powerful episcopal political influence in central Italy. Patronage was not an “option.” “Patronage is great for the production of art, but totally irrational from an economic point of view. Patronage is a political strategy”(Medici:Godfathers). It was the key to social and political status. For example, Cosimo de Medici commissioned Filipo Brunelleschi, arguably one of the greatest architects of all time, to build a beautiful orphanage. Considered one of the first buildings of the renaissance, it is built with roman arches and classical columns. But why waste such a brilliant mind and beautiful design on a public orphanage? Because what looks better to the people than helping the children. Cosimo gained social standing and with that political standing. How could the people deny a leader who will spend florins to help those