Symbolic communication and fiction of continuity by the first Visconti in Milan (1277-1354)

Abstract

The paper focuses on the communication and legitimation processes of the first Visconti’s rule, from the last quarter of the 13th century until the middle of the 14th century. The lineage mostly carried out three strategies so as to legitimate its rule over the city of Milan : the achievement of the archbishop’s see in the Lombard metropolis, the recruitment of ordinary and extraordinary municipal magistracy, the attainment of the imperial vicarship. The masterly use of these instruments enabled the Visconti to conceal, in terms of continuity, the original aspects of their rule. In particular, through the analysis of literary texts, iconographic programmes and civic rituals, the paper investigates all the symbols and symbolic actions with which Ottone and Giovanni Visconti legitimated the Visconti rule over Milan and other subject towns: they referred to the tradition of the Ambrosian Episcopal chair and the local town churches, introducing, however, meaningful propaganda changes meant to strengthen the Visconti’s signoria and dynastic dimension.