Unit 2 - "The Rule of Cosimo d'Medici"

Author Bio: Author - Vespasiano (1421-1498) - He was born in Rignano sull'Arno, Italy (a commune of Florence in the region of Tuscany); began his career as a stationer or dealer in parchment and paper. This was before he became the leading bookseller in Italy, right before the invention of printing; well known today for is humanistic beliefs, as well as being a librarian during the Renaissance period; most renowned pieces of work included multiple biographies and scribes; The Memoir of Vespasiano

speaker - Vespasiano da Bisticci (above)

Date/Context: "The Rule of Cosimo d'Medici" is one of Vespasiano's many biographies on famous political figures. It was written during the Renaissance, somewhere between 1421-1498. This excerpt is a small taste of the biography as a whole, however it can be found in a compilation of Vespasiano's works in "The Memoir of Vespasiano". The memoir contained most of Vespasiano's great biographies and scribes. These were translated and compiled together in 1963, to form the memoir. Overall, the excerpt of "The Rule of Cosimo d'Medici", highlights the kind of ruler and leader Cosimo was. It discusses his relationships with the citizens, as well as his acknowledgment and appreciation towards artists, architects, and other tradesman.

Summary: First, the excerpt begins by providing some background of the great Cosimo d'Medici. He spoke latin fluently and had an intense interest of associating with men of "high station". In other words, men who were well known for their knowledge rather than their money, or popularity. Continuing on, by Cosimo's twenty fifth birthday, he had received a wonderful reputation from the city. It had always been important to Cosimo, that he remained an "equal" to the people. He never wanted to be viewed as superior, however he still held a position of power. Vespasiano went on, he described Cosimo d'Medici as a man who never spoke ill of anyone. He explained that Cosimo would he get angry at those who spoke badly of someone else. Next, according to the excerpt, Cosimo was "well versed" and had the ability to hold a discussion with many kinds of men with many different occupations. He showed appreciation to many craftsmen, including a close friend, Donatello. Donatello was an incredible sculptor, and Cosimo's appreciation for artwork impacted Donatello greatly. Eventually, Cosimo ordered the bank to give Donatello enough money every week to take care of his work and four assistants.

Key Quotes: 

• "he never spoke ill of anyone, and it angered him greatly to hear slander spoken by others."
• "He was grave in temperament, prone to associate with men of high station who disliked frivolity, and averse from all buffoons and actors and those who spent time unprofitably."
• "the great mistake of his life was that he did not begin to spend his wealth ten years earlier;"