Ludovico Sforza, known as "Il Moro" because of his swarthy complexion, was born on July 27, 1452, at Vigevano, in what is now Lombardy.
He is the second son of Francesco I Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti and, as such, had not been expected to become ruler of Milan.
Nevertheless, his mother, Bianca, had prudently seen to it that his education was not restricted to the classical languages.
Under the tutelage of the humanist Francesco Filelfo, Ludovico had received instruction in the beauties of painting, sculpture, and letters, but had also been taught the methods of government and warfare.
He had later helped Leonardo da Vinci paint with pastels.
When their father Francesco died in 1466 (the Last Supper was painted next to his burial place in Santa Maria delle Grazie), the family titles had devolved upon the dissolute Galeazzo Maria, the elder brother, while Ludovico had received the courtesy title of Count of Mortara.
Galeazzo Maria had ruled until his assassination in 1476, leaving his titles to his seven-year-old son, Gian Galeazzo Sforza, Ludovico's nephew.
A bitter struggle for the regency with the boy's mother, Bona of Savoy, had ensued; Ludovico emerges as victor in 1481 and seizes control of the government of Milan, despite attempts to keep him out of power.
For the following thirteen years he will rule Milan as its regent, having previously been created Duke of Bari in 1479.
