WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -By 1434, Cosimo de’ Medici had become one of the wealthiest people in Italy, and the region’s unofficial ruler, a position he retained until his death 30 years later. His lineage (which included four popes) are considered perhaps the greatest private patrons of the Renaissance, and in the history of art.

Detailed explanation-2: -The merchants also were patrons of the arts. Wealthy families, such as the Medici, generously supported artists by having their portraits painted or by donating public art to the city. Being a patron was how the wealthy demonstrated their own importance.

Detailed explanation-3: -Florence was able to found the Renaissance in the 14th century because it was so prosperous. This wealth was mostly brought about by the establishment of successful trade throughout Asia and East Europe.

Detailed explanation-4: -With their new wealth, these merchants, bankers, and rulers funded the arts and architecture of the Renaissance, patronizing artists like Donatello, Botticelli, and Titian. These patrons were not acting out of a sense of generosity or civic virtue. They wanted art and buildings that showed their wealth and power.

Detailed explanation-5: -The wealthy sponsored artists during the Renaissance because art was a status symbol. Families like the Sforza and de Medici would pay for sculptures and paintings in order to advertise their wealth and power. An example is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which was sponsored by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza.