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Bianca Maria ViscontiWife of the Duke of Milan Francesco Sforza
Date of Birth: 31.03.1425
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- The Early Years of Bianca Maria Visconti
- A Strategic Engagement and Political Intrigue
- A Capable Regent and Diplomatic Savvy
- Duchess of Milan and Her Influence
- A Legacy of Diplomacy and Statesmanship
- Tensions and a Tragic End
- Family and Legacy
The Early Years of Bianca Maria Visconti
Bianca Maria Visconti was born in 1425 as the illegitimate daughter of Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan, and Agnese del Marino. Her family's unconventional circumstances led to her spending her early childhood in a castle in Abbiategrasso, where her strong character caught the attention of her father. Bianca received a humanistic education within the castle's library, honing her love for hunting and horses.
A Strategic Engagement and Political Intrigue
At the tender age of six, Bianca was betrothed to condottiero Francesco Sforza, 24 years her senior. The engagement served as a strategic alliance to secure Sforza's loyalty to Milan. Despite Filippo Maria's attempts to break off the betrothal, it remained intact. In 1441, Bianca and Francesco married in Cremona, amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Northern Italy.
A Capable Regent and Diplomatic Savvy
As the war raged on, Bianca accompanied her husband on his military campaigns, showcasing her diplomatic skills and administrative abilities. In 1442, she was unexpectedly appointed regent of the Marca, where she demonstrated her competence in governance. Following the death of Filippo Maria in 1447, Bianca and Francesco rallied their forces to claim Milan amidst a republican uprising.
Duchess of Milan and Her Influence
Upon becoming Duchess of Milan, Bianca assisted her husband in restoring his father's legacy. She took on the reins of government during Francesco's absence for military campaigns. In 1453, she played a crucial role in securing French support against Venice.
A Legacy of Diplomacy and Statesmanship
Following the Treaty of Lodi in 1454, Bianca's focus shifted to diplomacy and social welfare. In the wake of Francesco's illness in 1462, she became the de facto co-ruler, preventing the collapse of the duchy. After the deaths of her husband and mother in 1465-1466, she swiftly assumed control and invited her eldest son, Galeazzo Maria Sforza, from France to succeed as duke.
Tensions and a Tragic End
Galeazzo's authoritarian nature led to a strained relationship with his mother, forcing her to leave Milan for the safety of Cremona, her dowry. Despite warnings, Bianca attended Galeazzo's wedding in 1468, after which she fell ill. Her health deteriorated throughout the autumn, and on October 28, 1468, Bianca Maria Visconti passed away. She was laid to rest in the Milan Cathedral alongside her husband.
Family and Legacy
Bianca Maria Visconti was the mother of eight children:Galeazzo Maria (1444-1476), Duke of Milan
Ippolita Maria (1445-1488), Queen of Naples
Filippo Maria (1448-1492), Count of Corsica and Pavia
Sforza Maria (1449-1479), Duke of Bari
Lodovico (1452-1508), Duke of Bari and later Duke of Milan
Ascanio Maria (1455-1505), Bishop and Cardinal
Elisabetta Maria (1456-1472), Margravine of Montferrat
Ottaviano Maria (1458-1477), Count of Lugano
