Bianca Giovanna Sforza (1482 – 23 November 1496) was an Italian noblewoman, she was the illegitimate daughter, then legitimized of Ludovico Sforza and his lover Bernardina de Corradis, she was wife of Galeazzo Sanseverino and favourite of Beatrice d'Este.
In the year of 1482, Bianca was born in Lombardy, Italy,[1] from birth she was declared illegitimate and was the only daughter of Ludovico Sforza, (Regent of Milan[2]) and his lover at the time who was known as Bernardina de Corradis.
Following up with Bianca's childhood, not much has been uncovered yet and there has been little information given about the topic. In 1485, Bianca, (aged 3) was promised marriage to her father's new favourite;[3] Galeazzo Sanseverino, who was 22 years old at the time.
On a particular day, on December, year 1489, Bianca's cousin; Gian Galeazzo Sforza,[4] in other words the current Duke of Milan, granted the right to legitimize Bianca to Bernardina de Corradis's husband, the Duke Palatine Nicolò Gentili.
With her fate now in somebody else's hands, Finally, on November 14, 1489, almost a week later. Bianca was legitimized, she was now recognized as the child of Ludovico. This process took place in the Visconti-Sforza Castle (Vigevano). Proceeding with her legitimization, Bianca was officially married shortly after to Galeazzo Sanseverino, Captain General.
According to Antonio Zunico, it is clearly stated that her father, Ludovico promised Bianca to the illustrious powerful marquis and soldier, Galeazzo Sanseverino. His aforementioned beloved daughter by way of marriage, with the intention of giving her to him in marriage as soon as she reached the legitimate age.
About a month later, On January 10, 1490, in the Castello Sforzesco, the now newly-wed couple celebrated their marriage together, hand in hand. Although most of Ludovico's decisions were influenced by his desire to please his favourite, Galeazzo, he took a part for himself, he set this up so he could expand his own fuedal domains. To Ludovico, it was more of a project. He wanted the property the Dal Verme family had taken over after the tragic death of Count Pietro. And he decided to do that with his proclaimed daughter and son-in-law.
Given the tender or inexperienced age of the bride, the marriage remained nominal for the most part. During this time period, Bianca continued living at court. She thrived, moving to family properties frequently and was pampered and spoiled by all, especially by her step-mom, Beatrice d'Este. The two met when she was just 15, Bianca treated her like a sister, and her family seemed to embrace her and welcomed her with open arms.
Bianca was always by her step-mom's side, and followed her almost everywhere to events. The following year 1494, she accompanied her to Asti. Anywhere Beatrice went, Bianca went too.
Bianca cared for many, and was specifically close to Beatrice's second-born, Francesco. Bianca also spent time with Beatrice's first son, Maximilian Sforza. She could persuade him into taking his medicine and explain why, she's what people would call an angel sent from heaven. Her charm and enthusiasm to help made her likable.
Recent historical-artistic studies and confirmed scientific hypotheses have shown that the landscape that is in the background to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is taken from Bobbio.[5] The landscape that forms the background to the picture is that of Bobbio seen from the Malaspina Dal Verme Castle, according to the scientific researcher Carla Glori.[6]Furthermore, on the basis of these historical-artistic studies, she is identified as Bianca Giovanna Sforza, the girl portrayed in the painting by Leonardo da Vinci.[7][8]
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