Cosimo de' Medici

Full Name: Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici, known as Cosimo the Elder
Profession: Banker, Lord of Florence and Arts Patron

Nationality:

Italian

Biography: The first of the Medici political dynasty, de facto rulers of Florence during much of the Italian Renaissance.

Cosimo's power derived from his great wealth as head of his family's Medici bank, which had branches throughout Europe. He cemented the family's wealth with marriage to other powerful and rich families.

Cosimo was a humanist and a great patron of learning, the arts and architecture. His legacy includes Donatello's David, the Laurentian Library and the dome of the cathedral, all in Florence.

Born: September 27, 1389
Birthplace: Florence, Republic of Florence
Star Sign: Libra

Died: August 1, 1464 (aged 74)

Articles and Photos

Florence Cathedral
A procession passes Florence Cathedral, its Baptistery and Campanile in the Piazza del Duomo
, AD

Historical Events

1418-08-18 Competition announced to design the dome of Florence Cathedral, main competitors Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi (supported by Cosimo de' Medici)
1436-03-25 Florence Cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, consecrated by Pope Eugene IV, the largest dome in the world (then) by Filippo Brunelleschi with support from Cosimo de' Medici (begun 1296)

Florence Cathedral