Gonzaga, Gianfrancesco (1394–1444)

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Gonzaga, Gianfrancesco (13941444)

Ruler of Mantua from the year 1407, when he inherited the title at the age of twelve. Gianfrancesco ruled through his uncle Carlo Malatesta. Two years after attaining his title, he married Paola Malatesta, daughter of the ruler of Pesaro. In alliance with the Malatesta family, he led Mantua into a military alliance. In 1433 the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund bestowed the title of Marquis on him. In 1432 he became the commander of the Venetian army. Afterward he allied with the Visconti family of Milan, rivals of the pope. Under his patronage, several important Renaissance artists flourished at the Mantuan court.

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Gonzaga, Gianfrancesco (1394–1444)

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Gonzaga, Gianfrancesco (1394–1444)