Bruzio Visconti e il frontespizio del Compendium moralis philosophie di Luca Mannelli (BnF, Latin 6467)

The article focuses on the frontispiece of the Compendium moralis philosophie (Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Lat. 6467) by Luca Mannelli, commissioned by Bruzio Visconti (died 1357), an illegitimate son of Luchino Visconti, Lord of Milan. The manuscript Lat. 6467 has a magnificent frontispiece, illuminated by the Bolognese ‘Maestro del 1346’. The codex was copied and decorated, most likely, between the summer and winter of 1346. The new and most precise dating, suggested in this article, is based on evidence deductible from the North-Italian cities illustrated in the frontispiece. Indeed, the paper mainly focuses on the iconographic and iconological aspects of the frontispiece, deciphering the complex Bruzio’s political message. That was to promote himself as the true and just lord of Milan and other cities under the Visconti power. For this reason, Bruzio used Visconti’s political propaganda themes, such as – among others – the reference to Azzo Visconti’s monumental tomb. Secondly, specific considerations are readable about the refined evergetic choices beyond the entire group of manuscripts commissioned by Bruzio, illuminated by some of the best artists: ‘Maestro del Pantheon’, ‘Maestro del 1346’ and Andrea de’ Bartoli.