Lorenzo de’ Medici was the most powerful and enthusiastic patron of the Renaissance. He was an italian statesman and a ruler of Florentine Republic. Throughout his lifetime he ruled most of Florence with his younger brother Giuliano from 1469-1478. Lorenzo De’ Medici was born on January 1st,1449 in Florence, Italy. He grew up to be average height and he had short legs. He had dark hair but his brother was described as handsome and outgoing, however Lorenzo was so full of dignity that no one paid close attention to his looks. Lorenzo de ' Medici was the son of Piero the Gouty and the grandson of Cosimo. Cosimo, aware of his son Piero 's physical weakness and the fact that he was fearful that Piero would not long be alive to see Lorenzo succeed, he groomed his grandson for the exercise of authority however Lorenzo also trained with his brother Giuliano by John Argyropoulos so that they could later rule together. He grew up practicing jousting, hawking hunting, and horse racing. At age 19 in 1469 Lorenzo won his first jousting tournament sponsored by the Medici. As Lorenzo got older he went on missions. Piero father sent him on these missions that were very diplomatic and important, including trips to Rome to meet the pope and other religious and political figures. Lorenzo was the type of person who groomed for power. He got a leading role in 1469 when his father died. He was crowned king and he was just twenty years old. Lorenzo focused greatly on bank during his rule