Filippo Maria Visconti was the Duke of Milan from 1412 until his death in 1447. He was a member of the Visconti family, which played a significant role in the politics of northern Italy during the late Middle Ages. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and expand the duchy, often through military campaigns and strategic marriages. Visconti was known for his patronage of the arts and culture, contributing to the development of Milan as a center of Renaissance thought. His rule faced challenges, including internal strife and external threats, but he managed to maintain control over his territory until his passing.