In answer to your last paragraph; No. Thats why they had patrons.

So many artists think that if they "go back to the land" and get away from the rat race, their creativity will soar. Well, it does, its just that their creative energy goes into other endeavors, mainly survival.

I must say, however, many of my friends have struggled to build their homes and figure out how to survive for the last 20 years and are now quite comfortable and producing great art once again. I guess you call it short term pain for long term gain.