Let's see, even before I knew it was Spenser, I said that he was a poet who quite possibly had the queen as a patron. That would be some grad school you went to if you want to claim that you have no knowledge that poets, artists, including sculptors, painters, etc. have always been known, especially in Renaissance times, to have patrons. I said nothing about the man "selling out his principles" -- that remark belongs all to you
I also said that Italian artists were more likely to be patronized due to the wealth of the popes, and this is borne out by the examples that I posted. Nice try putting words in my mouth though.
I said nothing about the man "selling out his principles" -- that remark belongs all to you The insinuation belongs to you -- why else would you dismiss what he wrote as being only for money?
I know about patronage. Quite a similar situation to politicians -- some accept money from those who agree with them and want to support their principles; some sell their votes in exchange for money.