Great artists were interested in making a living from their work, after all that is the greatest achievement an artist can perform...get paid to do what they like.
DiVinci, Michelangelo, Picasso...all of them great artists but in turn most of their work was intended for sale on the open market. The paintings on the roof of the Sistine Chapel were part of a paid job authorized by the Vatican. Much of DiVinci's renaissance work concerning biblical scenes were also paid for by the catholic church.