Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Milan was one of the largest and most important cities in Renaissance Italy. This study explores the city itself, showing how the allegiances of the town hall and the parish related to those of the servants and aristocrats who frequented the Visconti and Sforza court.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Milan is too seldom the topic of Renaissance scholars. This thoughtful, subtly argued, and clearly organized and written study serves it well. The focus is on the city and the duchy of the Visconti and Sforza from the mid-14th century to 1500, with only enough attention to other cities and courts to give depth to the interpretation of this one. The study's subject is patronage, both ducal and otherwise, with the interactions and tensions between the various entities and the political ambitions being served by support for the arts. The major focus is on three prominent buildings--the cathedral, the hospital, and the castle--although other buildings and a wide range of other arts running from painting and sculpture to festivals and animal equipment figure in the story. Authoritative and richly documented, this sturdy volume is enhanced by 152 good illustrations, notes (including long citations from previously unpublished documents and texts), an extensive bibliography, and a detailed index. Upper-division undergraduate; graduate; faculty; general. C. W. Westfall University of Virginia