Answer/Explanation: In art, commission is paid to an artist on the request of another to create something specific for the one who makes the request. In simpler terms it is to place an order for an art item or performance.
Patronage on the other hand involves providing approval and support; backing; championship to artists (musicians, sculptors, painters etc) usually by kings, the wealthy, popes etc. It's history can be traced back to the medieval times and is recently referred sometimes to as sponsorship.
