VISCONTI, GIANGALEAZZO

(1351-1402)

Duke of Milan from 1395 until his death in 1402. TheViscontidominion had been split between Giangaleazzo's father, Galeazzo II, and uncle Bernabé. When his father died, Giangaleazzo imprisoned his uncle and seized his territories on the Lombard region, consolidating once again the Visconti lands. In 1360, Giangaleazzo married Isabelle of Valois, daughter of King John II of France, whose dowry included land in the Champagne region, thus establishing monarchic ties to secure his position of power. Then in 1395, Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus granted him the title of duke. Giangaleazzo's rule was dominated by his campaign to expand his dominion. He waged war againstFlorenceand managed to have the city completely surrounded when, in 1402, he suddenly died from theplague. Giangaleazzo was a generous patron. He initiated construction of the Certosa di Pavia, a splendid Carthusian monastery and church complex. He also supported the University of Pavia and the production of manuscript illumination in the Lombard region.

See alsoIlluminated manuscript.