The patronage of the medici family was important to the development of renaissance art because financial support by his family enabled artists to: a. sell their work to people not previously interested in art b. import needed materials from northern europe c. explore themes not approved by the church d. branch out from painting into sculpture and engraving

C. Explore themes not approved by the Church.

Explanation:

The Medici family ruled the city of Florence during Renaissance and helped in the growth of Italian Renaissance by giving patronage to Arts and Crafts. The Medici's were wool merchants and bankers, and became wealthy due to these businesses. The family became famous after they opened Medici bank in Florence.

Cosimo de Medici was the leader of Florence merchants and his son served as the Grand leader(Gran maestro) of the Florence city state in 1434. The Medicis ruled Florence for 400 years till 1737.

The medicis paid commissions to the artists for the major works of art and it had huge impact on renaissance as the artists were able to focus on their work and explore new themes without worrying about the money.  A significant amount of art and architecture produced in Florence during the beginning of renaissance was due to this family.

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