Final answer:
Cosimo de' Medici was the founder of the Medici dynasty, which became powerful in Florence in the 15th century through banking and patronage of the arts. Answer B) Cosimo de' Medici is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founder of the Medici dynasty was Cosimo de' Medici, often known as Cosimo the Elder. He was instrumental in elevating the Medici family to prominence in the Republic of Florence during the first half of the 15th century. As a result, the correct answer to the question is B) Cosimo de' Medici.
The Medici family originated in the Mugello region of Tuscany and rose to power primarily through their banking and textile enterprises, with the Medici Bank becoming the largest in Europe during the 15th century. Cosimo de' Medici established a strong political influence and was a major patron of the arts, laying the groundwork for the Medici's role in the sponsorship of the Renaissance art and architecture.
Under the Medici patronage, Florence witnessed an unprecedented flowering of the arts, with great artists like Donatello, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci benefitting from their support. The enduring legacy of the Medici is seen in iconic Florentine landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Medici, and the Medici Chapel, testament to their enduring impact on art and culture.