Sarcophagus of Azzone Visconti, detail

The Mausoleum was commissioned following the death of Azzone Visconti in 1339 by his uncle, Giovanni Visconti, Archbishop of Milan at the time. The artist called to execute the monument was Giovanni di Balduccio. Made between 1340 and 1344 and moved to its current position in 1927 having been moved various times, the monument depicts Azzone Visconti in the upper section lying on the sarcophagus, surrounded by four angels. Saint Ambrose is represented in the centre of the front section of the sarcophagus flanked by Ludovico il Bavaro, thus conferring the dignity of the imperial vicar to Azzone, portrayed to the right of the Saint. They are surrounded by representations of the city associated with the Visconti family, accompanied by their respective Patron Saints. To the right of the central group, for example, the city of Como is represented with a boat in hand and flanked by Saint Abundius. The refinement of Giovanni di Balduccio can be appreciated in the detail of the clothing and in the grace of the figures.