Why is Cosimo important to the Medici family?
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Why is Cosimo important to the Medici family?
Giovanni’s elder son, Cosimo (1389-1464), rose to political power in 1434 and ruled Florence as an uncrowned monarch for the rest of his life. Known to history as Cosimo the Elder, he was a devoted patron of the humanities, supporting artists such as Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello and Fra Angelico.
How did Cosimo rise to power?
Cosimo’s power came from a combination of many different sources. The status he held as the leader of the Medici family and party combined with the wealth available to him through the Medici bank and his role as a patron of art and learning led to the creation of physical manifestations of the power he held.
What did Cosimo Commission?
Cosimo commissioned Donatello to make two large-scale bronzes statues for this palazzo: Judith Slaying Holofernes and David. Cosimo was also involved in commissions to Desiderio da Settignano, Andrea del Castagno and Fra Filippo Lippi. A number of other cities benefited from Cosimo’s interest in art.
What works did Cosimo I de Medici commission?
He was a patron and confidante of Fra Angelico, Fra Filippo Lippi, and Donatello, whose famed David and Judith Slaying Holofernes were Medici commissions. His patronage enabled the eccentric and bankrupt architect Brunelleschi to complete the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore (the “Duomo”) in 1436.
What did Cosimo de Medici contribute to the renaissance?
Cosimo the Elder helped to introduce Ancient Greek manuscripts and culture into Italy. Cosimo the Elder sought to end the schism in the Christian Church. He helped to negotiate the union of the Catholic and the Orthodox Church that was formalized at the Council of Florence in 1439.
What did the Medici family commission?
The Medici are most famous for their patronage of the arts. Patronage is where a wealthy person or family sponsors artists. They would pay artists commissions for major works of art. The Medici patronage had a huge impact on the Renaissance, allowing artists to focus on their work without having to worry about money.