Giovanni di Cosimo de’Medici

Giovanni was an Italian banker and member of the Medici house.

Giovanni was born in Florence as the son of Cosimo de’Medici the Elder and Contessina de Bardi. Since his brother Piero suffered from gout since early ages, he was foreseen as the leader of the banking house. He was educated in humanistic manner and fostered a great interest in art and music.

At young age he became a member of the Florentine guilds - the Arte del Cambio and the Arte della Lana. His engagement in family business started in 1438 when he was sent as apprentice to the family bank in Ferrara. In 1456 he became General Director of the Medici Bank. As his enthusiasm was more reserved for culture than business, decision on his promotion turned out to be premature, and Cosimo appointed Francesco Sasseti to advise him in business matters.

Giovanni held public offices in his hometown in several occasions – in 1454 he was Prior of Florence, and in 1455 a member of Florentine delegation sent to pay homage to the new Pope Callistus III.

From 1453 he was in marriage with Ginevra degli Alessandri with whom he had no living heirs. He died in 1463 and was buried in the Basilica di San Lorenzo.

Giovanni is also remembered as famous patron of arts and collector of sculptures, coins, manuscripts, jewels, and various other items.