Cosimo de' Medici, the first member of the Medici dynasty in Florence during the Italian Renaissance, rather tan an autocrat; was considered a "<em>primus inter pares</em>" (a latin phrase meaning "first among equals"), an honorary tittle for someone who is formally equal to other members of their group but are accorded unofficial respect, traditionally owing to their seniority in office.
Because he came from the elite, he took it seriously and worked patronicing and funding several important artists. For this, he was known as a "<em>Patron of the Arts</em>", this characterization gave him the reputation of a true leader. During his mandate, he was a great patron of learning, the arts and architecture, among other things.
