Castle Museums - Hall 2, Mausoleum of Bernaḅ Visconti
In the centre of room number 2 stands the Mausoleum of Bernaḅ Visconti sculpted by Bonino da Campione in 1363 to satisfy the desire of Bernaḅ, lord of Milan, to have this equestrian sepulchral monument placed in the apse of San Giovanni in Conca. The portrayal on horseback which follows the tradition of Roman imperial portraits was commissioned by the subject himself. Bemaḅ was a valiant leader who ruled Milan from 1354 to 1385. The sarcophagus supported by twelve columns was probably made for a different tomb and subsequently used as a base for this statue. This exceptional sculpture was transformed into a tomb according to the desire of his nephew and son-in-law Gian Galeazzo who had him arrested, and perhaps poisoned, in 1385. The entire monument which still preserves precious traces of the original gilding is one of the major works on display at Castello Sforzesco. Originally placed in the church of San Giovanni in Conca, which was later demolished, the masterpiece has had an eventful existence having undergone various relocations over the centuries as well as dismantling, reassembling and restoration. Sculpted in a single marble block with the exception of the head, originally hidden by helmet and visor but later substituted with a bare-headed portrayal, Bernaḅ is depicted as having a stern and solemn posture. He is wearing rich, light armour originally in polychrome studded with coats of arms, mottoes and heraldic feats.
