Cosimo de' Medici

Born: September 27, 1389, Florence Died: August 1, 1464, Careggi

Known as Cosimo the Elder (Cosimo il Vecchio), he was the founder of the Medici political dynasty and the first of the Medici family to effectively rule Florence as an unofficial head of state. Major patron of the arts who shaped the early Renaissance.

Achievements

• Built the first Renaissance church
• Built the first Renaissance palace
• Built the first Renaissance monastery
• Sponsored numerous artists