Ludovico Sforza

Ludovico Maria Sforza, also called Ludovico il Moro, was an Italian nobleman. He ruled as the Duke of Milan from 1494 to 1499. Though he was the fourth son and not expected to lead, Ludovico was ambitious and took control of Milan. He first governed as regency for his sister-in-law Bona, and later took over after the death of his nephew Gian Galeazzo.

Ludovico was known for being thoughtful, kind, and peaceful. He supported artists and writers, and his court in Milan became very important during the Italian Renaissance. Even so, he was also seen as fearful and changeable. To stay safe, he sometimes asked help from other countries.

When dangers came from nearby lands, Ludovico sometimes felt unsafe. His wife, Beatrice, helped him through hard times. After she passed away, he felt very sad, and the happiness in his court faded. Eventually, he was defeated by the king of France, Louis XII, who took him prisoner in France, where he died.

Early life

Ludovico Sforza by Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis

Ludovico Sforza was born on 3 August 1452 in Milan, in what is now Lombardy. He was the fourth son of Francesco I Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti. Because he was not the oldest, he was not expected to rule Milan. But his mother made sure he got a good education. He studied Greek, Latin, theology, painting, sculpture, and learned about government. He also did sports like fencing, hunting, and horseback riding.

When his father died in 1466, Ludovico’s older brother Galeazzo Maria became duke. Ludovico was made the Count of Mortara. He helped keep the lands of the duchy together and worked to improve relations with other places like the Republic of Venice. Later, he was sent to France, perhaps to keep him away from the duke.

Rise to power

Duke Galeazzo Maria was killed on 26 December 1476 by people in the Milanese court. His young son Gian Galeazzo Maria, only seven, became the new duke. Ludovico returned from France and, with his brothers Ascanio and Ottaviano, tried to stop Bona’s rule. They believed an advisor named Cicco Simonetta controlled the duchy. But they failed, and Ludovico was sent away to Pisa.

In February 1479, Ludovico and his brother, with help from Ferrante of Aragon, brought an army to the Republic of Genoa. They were called rebels and enemies, and their money was taken. After some battles, peace talks started in May.

The powerful ducal councillor Cicco Simonetta, whom Moro had beheaded to "free" his sister-in-law and the government of Milan

In July, Sforza Maria died, and Ferrante named Ludovico Duke of Bari. In August, Ludovico led his army to Milan and took control of several cities. He entered Milan in September after getting more support.

Ludovico had trouble with some nobles and put Cicco Simonetta and his brother in prison. He also sent some nobles who opposed him away from Milan.

Death of Cicco Simonetta and exile of Duchess Bona

Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, portrait of Ludovico il Moro, c. 1500, collection of Prince Trivulzio, Milan

With Milan under control, Ludovico brought back his friends and made new partnerships. But some nobles who helped him later turned against him. He sent his brother Ascanio and others away.

In October, Cicco Simonetta was killed in Pavia. Ludovico brought his nephews Gian Galeazzo and Ermes to the castle for safety. Duchess Bona, separated from her lover, had to leave for France.

To the regency of the duchy (1480–1494)

Silver head of the second half of the fifteenth century showing on the right (left) the portrait of Duke Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza and on the reverse (right) that of his uncle Ludovico il Moro, his tutor

Engagement to Beatrice d'Este

Ludovico wanted to become Duke of Milan by marrying his sister-in-law Bona, but she loved someone else. So, he planned to marry Beatrice d'Este, the daughter of Ercole d'Este. This marriage would help make an alliance with Naples and Ferrara.

War of Ferrara

In 1482, the Republic of Venice and the Papal States fought against the Duchy of Ferrara. Ludovico and Milan joined the war to help his future father-in-law, Ercole d'Este. After some wins, the war ended in 1484 with a peace agreement.

Marriage and private life

After the war, Ludovico married Beatrice in January 1491. Their marriage was happy, and they had two sons who later became Dukes of Milan. Beatrice was full of energy and helped make the court a place of fun and art.

Ascension as Duke of Milan and the Italian Wars

Gian Galeazzo and his wife Isabella left Milan, leaving Ludovico in charge. Isabella wanted more power and disagreed with Beatrice. When Beatrice had her first son, she wanted him to be Count of Pavia, but Isabella wanted the title for her own son.

Ludovico made friends with Emperor Maximilian and King Charles VIII of France. Charles took over Naples, and Maximilian agreed to support Ludovico as duke. Ludovico also married Bianca Maria Sforza to get more help.

In September 1494, Charles VIII arrived in Asti and was welcomed by Ludovico and Beatrice. Ludovico later sent Beatrice back to Milan because he was jealous of her friendship with the Baron of Beauvau.

Duke of Milan

On 22 October 1494, Duke Gian Galeazzo died. It was said that he did not follow his doctors' advice and lived a hard life. Many people thought his uncle Ludovico may have caused his death, but some historians think Ludovico cared for him and often sent him gifts.

The ducal investiture of Ludovico il Moro, illuminated page by the Messale Arcimboldi in the Chapter Library of the Duomo of Milan. In the court at the top, on the left, Ludovico; in front of him, at the centre of the scene, Galeazzo Sanseverino, who has just received from his father-in-law the large golden banner with the black eagle; behind the latter, you can recognize the blond count of Melzo, who holds resting on his shoulder the sword received shortly before by his uncle; at the bottom, on the right, is finally the ranks of women, led by Duchess Beatrice.

Ludovico became ruler of Milan with help from local nobles. His time in power had many challenges, like wars and money problems. His wife Beatrice helped keep things stable during this difficult time.

Downfall and aftermath

Further information: Battle of Novara (1500)

Charles VIII of France died without children in 1498, and his cousin, Louis XII, became king. Louis wanted to punish Ludovico for past wrongs, so he attacked Milan again. Without his wife Beatrice, who had passed away, Ludovico had a hard time defending the city.

Ludovico tried to escape the danger by leaving Milan on September 1, 1499, with his sons. He found safety in Innsbruck with Emperor Maximilian I. After he left, the people of Milan, upset by heavy taxes, helped the French general Gian Giacomo Trivulzio take control of the city. This started a time of frequent wars and invasions in Italy.

Ludovico later tried to take back Milan with help from Swiss soldiers. But during a battle near Novara in 1500, the Swiss troops refused to fight. Ludovico was captured by the French, along with his brothers and allies. The French took back Milan, ending its independence for many years.

Ludovico was sent as a prisoner to France. Though treated better than other prisoners, he was not allowed to meet with Emperor Maximilian. He was kept in different castles over the years. In 1508, he tried to escape but failed, and was placed in a dungeon where he remained until he passed away on May 27 of that year.

The Swiss later restored Ludovico’s son, Maximilian Sforza, as ruler of Milan, though another son, Francesco II, also led the city briefly before his death in 1535. This led to more conflicts, and Milan eventually came under control of the Spanish Empire.

Appearance and personality

Ludovico was a good leader in peaceful times but had trouble during wars. He was gentle and did not like violence or harsh punishments. He preferred to stay away from battlefields and was seen as kind and peace-loving.

Ludovico was tall but not very physically fit. He liked to eat good food, especially fish called mullets. As he got older, he gained weight but later lost some after his wife passed away. He wore loose clothes and had dark hair and eyes, which gave him his nickname "The Moor." Later in life, he had health issues like gout and breathing problems.

Ludovico was generous with his friends and thoughtful, though not always very energetic. As he got older, his behavior became more unpredictable. He was proud at times. Despite some criticisms, others praised him for caring about the people, improving the city's buildings, and supporting learning and the arts. His wife, Beatrice, was a strong partner who helped him, especially in matters of war. Ludovico loved his daughter very much and was deeply sad when she died.

One of Ludovico's biggest interests was farming. He enjoyed growing plants and animals, and he used his knowledge to improve farming methods. He built special water systems to help grow crops in dry areas. He also supported many workers in industries like silk production and building projects.

Ludovico enjoyed learning and could speak Latin and French. He loved listening to stories from an old book called the Divine Comedy. Even when he was captured, he asked to keep a copy of this book and read it often.

Ludovico was known for his charm and was seen as attractive in his younger years. There were stories about him being interested in other women, but these are just rumors without strong proof. He had many friends and allies, though some people thought he could be tricky and didn’t always keep his word.

Origin of the nickname "Moro"

Ludovico got the nickname "Moro," meaning "the Moor," when he was a child. People often called him this as he walked through the cities of the Duchy. The Moors were Africans and Saracens. Ludovico was likely called "Moro" because of his bronze skin, dark hair, and black eyes, which can be seen in many portraits.

Ludovico in art

Ludovico and his court were popular subjects for artists in the nineteenth century. Painters were inspired by events in his life, such as the sadness he felt after the death of his wife Beatrice, and the presence of famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

Some famous paintings show scenes from Ludovico's life and court. These include moments like Ludovico looking at Leonardo's famous painting, The Last Supper, or visiting the tomb of his wife Beatrice. Many artists captured these moments, showing the rich and famous people of Ludovico's time.

In popular culture

Literature

Ludovico Sforza is a main character in many books. Some books tell sad stories about his life. Others are novels that imagine what his days were like, or even stories about secret plans and exciting events.

Cinema

Ludovico Sforza has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Actors from different countries have played him. He was part of miniseries about famous artists, dramas about powerful families, and documentaries about his life.

Culinary

There is a special dessert named after Ludovico Sforza, called dolceriso del Moro. It comes from the town of Vigevano. This sweet dish is made with ricotta cheese, fruits, nuts, and rose water, all baked inside pastry. It is said that a duchess in his family created it to make her husband happy.

Legends

Ludovico Sforza is part of many local legends. One story says he is connected to the first making of panettone, a sweet bread. Another tale explains how he got his nickname "the Moor". As a child, he swapped nicknames with a friend who looked like him. Because of this, he became known as "the Moor".

There are also stories about ghosts in the castle at Vigevano, including one about a white horse that was his favorite. Legend says this horse would run through the castle halls and disappear.

Lineage

Ludovico Sforza had children with his wife Beatrice d'Este and with other partners. With Beatrice, he had two sons who later held important titles.

He also had children with other women, and these children were recognized and added to the family. Some of these children married into important families and helped build strong connections for Ludovico.