COSIMO DE MEDICI

What is the renaissance ?

The Renaissance also known as "re-birth"was a cultural and economic movement that spanned from the 14th all the way to the 17th century. The Renaissance began in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and the so-called movement (all the changes) later spread to the rest of Europe. It was when people started to learn about everything from art to science.

Who is Cosimo Medici?

Cosimo de Medici was born on September 27 in 1389 in Florence and died on August 1 in1464 , in The same city. He was a business man, historian, art collector, politician and of course ruler of Florence . Cosimo also represented the Medici bank (his father's bank). He brought art and architecture to Florence by financing and promoting famous artists and architects with his tremendous financial fortune. He was a major art patron.

Why was Cosimo famous?

He managed the finances of his city and he later on became the wealthiest man of his generation. Cosimo de Medici controlled Florence with his wealth and that is how he got power and kept it in his control by his family for many centuries. Cosimo was an important patron of Renaissance art as he loved to have artistic masterpieces. He was also the one who supported the architect Brunalleschi to finish the dome of Florence.

The Medici bank

Cosimo's father Giovanni started the Medici bank , it was at first a little bank but then he made some private purchases That made him richer. He later became friend with an ex pirate who wanted to become pope ,so he needed financial support from the small Medici bank. The ex pirate after all became pope and did not forget the Medici , he then placed a huge account in their bank which made it more and more popular and powerful . After some years the bank was passed on generations and became the most powerful in Europe.

Who were the artists that Cosimo supported?

Cosimo supported as a patron many great minds of the renaissance to demonstrate his power and wealth, some of these artists are:
Leonardo
Brunelleschi
Michelangelo
Donatello
Raphael

Who were Cosimo's enemies

In 1433, a rival family named Albizzi managed to capture Cosimo but he bribed the guards and escaped, he was consequently banned from Florence . After a while, Florence's economics started going down so the florentines summoned him back to Florence and got rid of the Albizzi.

5 FUN FACTS

• The Medici family was also known as the House of Medici.
• Cosimo's father was good friend of the pope.
• Cosimo spent 600 Florences thousand on patronage.
• If you were a friend of Cosimo you would get a decrease in your tax, and if you weren't you will pay more.
• The Medici bank started out at the back of a peanut shop.

BEFORE WE CONCLUDE, HERE IS A QUOTE FROM MEDICI:

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