Visual Arts Question:

This term could be used either in a situation in which a patron has said he will not pay unless he likes the work, or in one in which there is no patron. The artist is just hoping that he will eventually be able to sell the wok to someone.
It was in the 19th century that artists began painting largely without any specific patron in mind but rather to place their works in exhibitions and galleries in the hope of attracting buyers. It had happened before, but prior to the 19th century, most paintings and sculptures were produced to someone's order.