Cosimo de' Medici

Banker and patron who established the Medici family's rule over Renaissance Florence.

Chronology: 1389-09-27 – 1464-08-01

Origins & Early Life

Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici (27 September 1389 – 1 August 1464) was an Italian banker and politician who became the de facto ruler of Florence during the Italian Renaissance, and was the first to establish the Medici family as its effective leaders for generations. His power derived from his wealth as a banker and intermarriage with other rich and powerful families. He was a patron of arts, learning, and architecture. He spent over 600,000 gold florins (approx.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

$500 million inflation adjusted) on art and culture, including Donatello's David, the first freestanding nude male sculpture since antiquity. Despite his influence, his power was not absolute; he was viewed by fellow Florentine politicians as first among equals rather than an autocrat. Florence's legislative councils resisted his proposals throughout his political career, even sending him into exile from 1433 to 1434. == Biography == === Early life and family business === Cosimo de' Medici was born in Florence, to Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici and Piccarda Bueri, on 27 September 1389. At the time, it was customary to indicate the name of one's father in one's name for the purpose of distinguishing the identities of two like-named...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia