Thomas Cromer

A HI 3303

Professor Palmer

21 Feb 2017

Godfathers of the Renaissance

The Medici family is introduced as an influential power in Florence. They would do

whatever it takes to be the most revered family in Italy such as murder, manipulate, assassinate,

and hire the best artists in Italy. Well-known artists of Italy are listed as movers and shakers of

the Renaissance. The life of the Medici family changes the course of history through all of these

actions.

In the 15th century, the Medici were searching for knowledge more than materialistic

goods. Florence was the place to be during this time because of the fight for political control.

This family of bankers helped Baldassare Cosa become Pope John XXIII in 1410; therefore, the

Medici became the trusted bankers of the church and the rulers of Florence.

The uncompleted dome of Florence represented a large failure for the Medici family so

the search and find for the genius Brunelleschi became one of the most important steps in

gaining back their dignity in the Italian community. Cosimo Medici took a gamble with

Brunelleschi, but the people were amazed with his approach to architecture such as his building

of the columns for the orphanage. Brunelleschi drew inspiration from the Pantheon for the dome

cathedral because of its similarity to his project. Once the building of the dome started,

Brunelleschi did not let his workers stop the process.

The death of Giovani de Medici, Cosimos father, put Cosimo in his fathers position.

This was a dark time for Florence. Giovani was buried in the Church of San Lorenzo which
Brunelleschi had rebuilt. The Albizzi family saw this rise of Cosimo as a threat, and the rivalry

between these families could stop Florence from forward progression. The Ablizzi family hoped

for Brunelleschis failure. Cosimo sent his money away for safetys sake. After captured and

taken to the town center by the Albizzi family, Albizzi supporters voted on Cosimos execution,

but Cosimis generous bribe guaranteed his safety. Cosimo was band from the city while

Brunelleschi was stuck in jail. The city had no banking and feel under a dark time with the

Albizzi family who lost control over the city in a year due to Cosimos comeback.

Cosimos reign brought a better time for Florence. Brunelleschi resumed construction on

the dome, and the Medici banking system was thriving not only in Florence but internationally.

Cosimo not only wanted wealth but power through the commission of great artists and he

became the most sought out patron. Though many artists were temperamental, Cosimo knew that

he could not force them to produce beautiful art; it came out of organic happiness. Artists had to

make a name for themselves through commissions of honored patrons.

Donatello was one of Cosimos favorite artists, but he was known for smashing all of his

creations. The mockery of Donatello upset him, but he took console in Cosimo. Cosimos

commission of the free standing nude David was frowned upon by many people of the time due

to the restriction of sodomy. Donatello and Brunelleschi were pushing boundaries and tanking

risks through their art.

With the completion of the dome, it became the greatest architectural feat in the Western

World. A celebration was thrown with the council of Florence through the backing of the

wealthy Cosimo. People were brought from various countries of the world. Medici became the

Godfather of the community but he remained cautious as a ruler of the city. After his death,

Florence named him the Father of the Fatherland.