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Giovanni Simonetta
Signore di San Giorgio
(c. 1420–>91)

Biographical

Signore di San Giorgio in Lomellina 1477->91† (Milan)
Signore di Roccella 1456 (Naples)
Signore di Motta di Noto 1456 (Naples)

Ducal secretary 1456
Ducal councillor 1444

Giovanni joined his uncle Angelo and brother Cicco as part of the entourage of Duke Francesco Maria Sforza at Milan in the role of chancellor. He supported Sforza in all his military enterprises, and after the Sforza conquest of Milan in 1450 Giovanni was one of the most authoritative members of the ducal chancellery that was led by his brother Cicco. He enjoyed citizenships of the various cities within the Sforza domain (Milan in 1456, Cremona and Novara in 1464, Genova in 1470) and also generous tax exemptions. King Ferdinand of Naples invested him with fiefdoms in Calabria in 1456. Under Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza, he continued to carry out various roles within the chancellery, and was second in authority after his brother Cicco. The duke granted him the fiefdom of San Giorgio in Lomellina in 1477. After Galeazzo Maria's murder, he was part of the governing bodies of the regency, and in September 1479 he was inevitably involved in Cicco's misfortune. He was taken with him to Pavia under escort and imprisoned inside the castle. Unlike his brother, his property was not confiscated. After his brother's execution in 1480, Giovanni was exiled to Vercelli, but by 1483 he had returned to Milan. A historian, he had written his famous Sforziade, the life of Francesco Sforza, which was probably the reason for him being well treated despite his family's misadventures. The work proved to be very popular, including with the Sforza family. His final will was drawn in 1491.

Place of birth: Caccuri, Calabria
Place of death: Vercelli
Place of burial: Church of Maria delle Grazie, Milan

Son of Margherita Simonetta and Antonio de Gucia. His first wife was Margherita Meravigli (†1459), married in 1457. His second wife was Caterina Barbavara, married in 1463. His third wife was Donnina Casati. By Angelina Marchesi, he had an illegitimate son, Bernardino.

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