The Duke of Milan Lodovico Sforza (1452-1508) was a notable patron of the arts, presiding over the final and most productive stage of the Milanese Renaissance.

Lodovico Sforza, born on July 27, 1452, was the fourth son of Francesco I Sforza and, as such, was not expected to become ruler of Milan. Nevertheless his mother, Bianca, prudently saw to it that his education was not restricted to the classical languages. Under the tutelage of the humanist Francesco Filelfo, Lodovico received instruction in the beauties of painting, sculpture, and letters, but he was also taught the methods of government and warfare. Lodovico was called "the Moor" because of his dark complexion.

When Francesco I Sforza died in 1466, he was succeeded by the dissolute Galeazzo Maria, elder brother of Lodovico. Galeazzo Maria ruled until his assassination in 1476, leaving his throne to his 7-year-old son, Gian Galeazzo, Lodovico's nephew. A bitter struggle for...