Contemporary society frowns upon the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, who openly express their desire for wealth. Yet, artists have always created with the goal of becoming prosperous and recognized. In the 20th century, Magritte “mass-produced” his pipes that were not actually pipes. But long before him, Cranach was a wealthy painter, endlessly depicting Lucretias, Judiths, and Venuses, all resembling each other—reproducing like clones as early as the 16th century.

Rubens’ “Factory,” while not exactly rock ‘n’ roll, was nonetheless a quasi-mechanized production site designed to spread the works of the Antwerp master across all the courts of Europe. As for Courbet, the man behind The Origin of the World, he relied on a clever media strategy to become rich and famous. Even Van Gogh, the archetype of the cursed artist who died poor and misunderstood, had a patron in one of Paris’ greatest art dealers—his own brother, Theo.

This book explores thirteen cases throughout history that challenge preconceived notions about artists who have secured their place in posterity—and, along the way, proves that the lure of profit is not exclusive to our modern era.

A journey through the grand history of art, filled with the small stories of men who became great artists.

2015, World Publishing Beijing.