Cosimo de' Medici was an influential Italian banker and politician who lived during the Renaissance period. Born in 1389, he became the head of the Medici family, which played a crucial role in the political and cultural life of Florence. Cosimo is often credited with establishing the family's power and wealth through strategic investments and banking practices. As a patron of the arts, Cosimo supported many artists and thinkers, helping to foster the cultural movement known as the Renaissance. He funded projects that included the construction of the Florence Cathedral and the works of renowned artists like Donatello and Brunelleschi. His contributions significantly shaped the artistic landscape of his time.