The Visconti Raza

Sol Iustitiae

Stained-glass window of the Apocalypse (1416-1482; 1834-1838) by Stefano da Pandino, Maffiolo da Cremona, Franceschino Zavattari, Giovanni Recalcado, Cristoforo de’ Mottis, Michelino da Besozzo (?), Niccolò da Varallo, Stefano da Marliano, Battista da Legnano, Stefano Bergognone dal Furno, Giorgio d’Anversa, Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

Stained-glass window V20 in the apse of Milan Cathedral is dedicated to the Stories of the Apocalypse from Saint John's Book of Revelation.

At the top, there is a blazing sun, a wheel of rays, known also as the Raza Viscontea, a heraldic symbol of the Visconti family, and a depiction of Jesus Christ as the Sol Iustitiae (Sun of Righteousness).

By the will of the Lord of the city Gian Galeazzo Visconti, in agreement with the Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, the construction of the Duomo of Milan began with great momentum. It was around 1386.

Chronology of the construction of Milan DuomoVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

Construction started from the Apse, the oldest part of the Duomo, and over the centuries continued to erode the existing basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Thecla, and eldest building.

Stained-glass window of the Apocalypse (1416-1482; 1834-1838) by Stefano da Pandino, Maffiolo da Cremona, Franceschino Zavattari, Giovanni Recalcado, Cristoforo de’ Mottis, Michelino da Besozzo (?), Niccolò da Varallo, Stefano da Marliano, Battista da Legnano, Stefano Bergognone dal Furno, Giorgio d’Anversa, Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

The rose on top of the stained-glass window V20 was finished at the beginning of the 15th century and since that time, it has been one of the most representative artworks art of the Duomo.

On the sides of the Raza, the Annunciation is depicted, with the Archangel Gabriel on the left and the Virgin Mary on the right.

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