MEDIEVAL SCULPTOR, Italian
(active in 1340s in Milan)

Tomb of Azzone Visconti

1342-44
Marble
San Gottardo, Milan

During his rule, Azzone Visconti (d. 1339) embarked on a program of constructing churches, towers, and other public buildings, paving streets, and opening squares. His tomb was placed in the palace chapel of San Gottardo, which he had so lavishly embellished. Attended by angels, his effigy rests on the cover of the sarcophagus, which is further decorated with relief sculpture commemorating his reign. At the centre is Milan's patron, St Ambrose, sheltering two seated figures. To his right and left kneel personifications of the cities that owed him allegiance.