Francesco Sforza was an Italian condottiero and nobleman born in 1401. He became the Duke of Milan in 1450 after seizing power from the ruling Visconti family. Sforza was known for his military skills and strategic alliances, which helped him expand his influence in northern Italy. His rule marked the beginning of the Sforza dynasty, which played a significant role in the politics of the region. Sforza was also a patron of the arts and supported renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante. His reign contributed to the cultural development of Milan during the Renaissance, making the city a center for art and learning.