Leonardo da Vinci was not swayed by the desires of patrons or the lure of money when it came to his artistry. He preferred to create portraits only when he found a subject intriguing, such as his painting of the Musician. His artistic choices were guided by personal interest rather than financial gain or external pressure.

Similarly, while he would comply with the requests of influential figures like Ludovico Sforza, especially concerning his mistresses, he maintained his independence as an artist. Da Vinci’s reluctance to conform to patron demands showcases his dedication to personal expression over commercial success.