Final answer:
The newly rich became patrons of the arts to express status, demonstrate education, and enjoy personal tastes. Patronage was a sign of cultural sophistication and an essential aspect of social prestige among the growing affluent middle class, ultimately giving rise to the public art market and cultural institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The newly rich decided to become patrons of the arts for multiple reasons centered around status, education, and personal enjoyment. Following the decline of monarchial and church patronage, a wealthy middle class arose, motivated by national pride and the desire to showcase their status. This bourgeoisie capitalized on their disposable income from industrialization and manufacturing to support artists, seeking works like landscapes and genre scenes that were accessible and complemented their domestic spaces.
Furthermore, patronage served as a mark of cultural sophistication for the upper class. In the 19th century, individuals like Andrew Carnegie demonstrated their wealth and social position through the support of the arts and the foundation of cultural institutions. Art collectors also used their collections to express their refined taste and knowledge, reinforcing their elevated status in society.
The prestige associated with art patronage was not solely about possessing the artworks but also related to the educational and cultural values of the time. The concept of art market took form during the Renaissance, and the tradition of the Grand Tour in Europe further highlighted the importance of knowledge and ownership of art for an individual's social standing and intellectual development.