The Duke of Milan entered Milan on the 25th March 1450- the day of The Annunciation. He decided to dedicate a charitable institution to Annunciata a municipality of the Provence of Brescia. This new foundation was 'Spedale della Nunciata' and in 1456 the 'Magna Domus Hospitalis' or Ca'Granda went into operation. The Magna Domus was the largest undertaking of the 15th century and the 'Ospedale Maggiore' was born. It is said he did this to gain the affection of it's people (Brescia) who were followers of the Visconti, even though he was already married to Bianca Visconti at the time.
If you look at the card- a maiden (because of untied hair) with Crown and Blue dress the idea of Mary of the Annunciation comes to mind. No babies at breast or lap so it is not the usual Charity of Hospitals Mary depiction.
I know it is thought that the Cary -Yale was a Visconti deck. I propose it was a Bianca deck of 1450?
The foundation to Brescia is interesting. 1416 it was Sigismundo Malatesta who was it's Lord- He sold it to Maria Fillipo Visconti- who sold it in 1426 to Venice and Sforza won it back in in 1439. The area has it that it was founded by Hercules and the area has the pet name of the Lioness of Lombardy. One of the relics held in Brescia is a depiction on a banner of the Carroccio or sacred Ox cart which served as asymbol for the medeival Lega Lombarda. In Giotto's depictions this Ox cart (pulled by Horses) is the Depiction of Industry or Man's achievments/Trade. I know it is supposed to have the devices of Savoy on the Lovers card but there is also a case for the white cross been of Pavia along with the Visconti Viper, rather than Savoy Arms.
~Lorredan
Re: Toastmasters For The Signore
11The Universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
Eden Phillpotts
Eden Phillpotts