The Mastermind of the Renaissance
Cosimo de Medici was born on September 27, 1389 in Florence, Italy. Growing up, Cosimo received the best education that was available at the time. He grew up with a greater sense of classical knowledge and achievements. His desire to become something great is why he is referred to as a humanist. Cosimo was the son of Giovanni de’ Medici who founded the family’s fortune from dominating areas such as trade and banking. After the death of his father, Cosimo took over as the head of the family’s financial practices. He represented the Medici bank, managed the papacy’s finances and became one the wealthiest men of his time. Cosimo continued the traditional support of the lesser guilds in the city and the poor against the rich, upper class who controlled the city. Because of his democratic tendencies, Florence was divided into two factions - the faction of the upper class, controlled by the Albizzi, and the middle class supported by the Medici. The Albizzi were growing restless and sought to end him and his family. He was arrested with the intent on being killed, but he managed to escape being put to death by buying the favor Bernardo Guadagni for 1,000 ducats. The heat of the partisan battles lead Cosimo to move to the outskirts of Tuscany in 1433. Only a year later was he able to return to Florence because a new government favored him. From that time one he was able to control all Florentine affairs by his vast wealth and power. Cosimo quickly reformed the taxation policy of the city. He instituted a graduated taxation system which made him hated amongst the upper class, but the middle and lowers class became increasingly more supportive in his affairs. Their support became even greater when they saw the funds gained by taxation and the contributions Cosimo made out of his own pocket. Cosimo spent the majority of his life bringing culture to Florence. The increasing interest of Greek scholars was due to his revival of classical studies. This lead Cosimo to help found the Platonic Academy, an institution focusing on the studies and philosophies of Plato. His patronage spread throughout the city in areas such as sculpting, painting, architecture, and education. His patronage was appreciated by some of the greatest sculptors and painters of all time, among them was Donatello. Cosimo lived a modest life and upon his death on August 1, 1464 the words “father of his country” were written on his tombstone by a grateful city.
Cosimo is known as the mastermind of the Renaissance. Because of his extensive patronage he was able to bring a creative revolution to Florence. The influence of the Medici family allowed the city of Florence to experience a rebirth in classical culture. The patronage from Cosimo allowed men such as Filippo Brunelleschi to achieve impressive feats of architecture by restoring the church of St. Lorenzo. Cosimo also provided Florence with culture. He sent ships East in order to acquire manuscripts from ancient writers and he hired scribes to copy what he was unable to get on his own. The valuable manuscripts were given to the monastery of S. Marco and the abbey at Fiesole. These manuscripts were made available for public use. Although Cosimo never had his own artistic accomplishments, he is an innovator in the sense of his contributions towards the city of Florence. He foresaw how to make his city a center of culture and creative achievement. His actions towards making Florence a symbol of his family’s prestige and Florentine pride is what allowed the city to enter the age of the Renaissance.
Cosimo is known as the mastermind of the Renaissance. Because of his extensive patronage he was able to bring a creative revolution to Florence. The influence of the Medici family allowed the city of Florence to experience a rebirth in classical culture. The patronage from Cosimo allowed men such as Filippo Brunelleschi to achieve impressive feats of architecture by restoring the church of St. Lorenzo. Cosimo also provided Florence with culture. He sent ships East in order to acquire manuscripts from ancient writers and he hired scribes to copy what he was unable to get on his own. The valuable manuscripts were given to the monastery of S. Marco and the abbey at Fiesole. These manuscripts were made available for public use. Although Cosimo never had his own artistic accomplishments, he is an innovator in the sense of his contributions towards the city of Florence. He foresaw how to make his city a center of culture and creative achievement. His actions towards making Florence a symbol of his family’s prestige and Florentine pride is what allowed the city to enter the age of the Renaissance.