Bartolomeo Colleoni

Bartolomeo Colleoni was a famous captain of a band of mercenary soldiers during the 15th century. He was brash, audacious, and driven by a desire for success. Originally from Bergamo, Colleoni switched allegiances between Milan and Venice multiple times, amassing great wealth and even aspiring to become Lord of Milan. When it came to his burial, Colleoni wanted a monument that would be visible to everyone in a square, rather than just inside a church. This led to the construction of the magnificent Colleoni Chapel, designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. The chapel was intended to outshine the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore with its ornate decorations, symbolizing Colleoni's glory and comparing him to ancient heroes and figures from religious texts.