"The task of a patron is difficult. He is concerned with living, unknown artists. He must have the good taste to demand fine poetry or painting or music—or silver, pottery, furniture—and he must have the perspicacity to discover the artist who can supply him. He needs all the insight and flair of a good critic, but, in addition, the faculty for seeing where a young and untried artist may make the most of his gifts: he needs the tolerance and tact to ensure that he will do so. No wonder that great patrons should be so rare, or that poets should have so often recognized the primacy of patronage. Martial gave it as his opinion that if you have your Maecenases, you will get your Virgil."

- John Buxton