How did artists make their living before?

How did artists make their living before? I know some artists were paid by the church, some (like Van Gogh) was not paid at all, while others were employed in an "artistic guild" (Who paid these artistic guilds?). How common was either of these alternatives?

Sorry if question is too broad. What I'm trying to understand is how the artistic profession (painters, sculptors etc.) usually made their living.

Would love any reading recommendations on this.