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Giovanni's death in 1428 ushered in a new era for the Medici. His son, Cosimo, known for his quiet strength and intellect, took charge of the family bank and immediately faced hostility from the ruling Albizzi family, who saw him as a threat. After being wrongfully accused of treason and exiled in 1433, Cosimo used his time away from Florence to rebuild alliances and strengthen his influence.
In 1434, having regained control, Cosimo returned triumphantly, maintaining the facade of a republic while consolidating power behind the scenes. His vision of Florence as the cradle of the Renaissance materialized as his patronage led to the commissioning of works from iconic artists like Donatello and Michelangelo, thus contributing to Florence's cultural flourishing.