Dependence on wealthy and powerful patrons for support presents several problems for artists and scholars like Leonardo Da Vinci. Some of these problems include:
1. Loss of artistic and academic freedom: Patrons may impose their views on the artists and scholars who depend on them for support. They may dictate the subject matter, style, or even the message that the artist/scholar should promote, thereby curtailing their creativity and independence.
2. Pressure to produce results: Patrons invest their money and time into artists and scholars, and they expect to see results. This can exert performance pressure on the creators, who may feel compelled to produce works that cater to their patrons' preferences, rather than their artistic or scholarly vision.
3. Limited opportunities: Patrons are limited, and therefore, the number of artists and scholars they can support is also limited. This can make it difficult for talented individuals to secure funding for their works, thereby limiting their potential.
4. Risk of losing support: Patrons may withdraw their support or sponsorship for various reasons such as financial difficulties, change of interest, and disagreements over the direction or style of an artist or scholar’s work. This can cause hardship and jeopardize the existence and continuation of the artists and scholars' work.
In summary, the dependence of artists and scholars on wealthy and powerful people for support creates an environment in which independence, creativity, and academic freedom may be threatened, and the artist/scholar may be compelled to meet the patron’s needs at the expense of their own artistic or academic vision.