Bianca Maria Visconti - Lioness of the SforzaBianca Maria (1425-1468) was the illegitimate daughter

Bianca Maria Visconti - Lioness of the SforzaBianca Maria (1425-1468) was the illegitimate daughter of a mighty lord, Filippo Maria Visconti, duke of Milan. In 1441, she married another powerful man, Francesco Sforza, who later became duke of Milan.In addition to presenting her husband with a claim to Milan, Bianca Maria was also his advisor. A key political player, she governed with justice and funded many public works such as hospital and charities. Well-educated, she sought the best humanistic tutors to teach her eight children. Described by a contemporary as a woman “of pious soul, but virile” she ruled in her husband’s absence and also displayed military skills. Bianca Maria sometimes accompanied Francesco on campaign. According to the contemporary chronicler Campi, she rode on horseback “not like a lady but as a valorous captain”. Clad in parade armor, she reviewed the troops with a retinue of liveried amazons and advised her husband on strategic decisions. Bianca Maria notably fought to defend Cremona as the city was attacked by the Venetians during the winter 1447/1448. She rode throughout the city and encouraged the townspeople. She then led a squadron of Cremonese against the Venetians. Bianca Maria killed a Venetian attacker by hitting him in the mouth with her spear. Her bravery inspired the defenders who drove the enemy away.In 1450, she made a triumphal entry on horseback with her husband in Milan. In 1452, she sent troops to crush a rebellion, though she wasn’t present in person. After her husband’s death, she secured the duchy and ruled till her son went back in 1468.Here’s the link to my Ko-Fi if you want to support me.Bibliography:Allaire Gloria, “Bianca Maria Visconti Sforza”, in: Higham Robin, Pennington Reina (ed.), Amazons to fighter pilots, biographical dictionary of military women, vol.1Benoist Charles, “Le machiavélisme avant Machiavel”Jacobo Filippo Foresti da Bergamo, De Mulieribus clarisJansen Sharon L., The Monstrous Regiment of Women: Female Rulers in Early Modern Europe -- source link

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