Ludovico Sforza’s political fortunes began to decline after the French invasion of Milan in 1499. The French forces, led by Louis XII, who claimed Milan through his grandmother Valentina Visconti, swiftly defeated Ludovico's forces. Ludovico was forced to flee Milan and sought refuge in various courts.

In 1500, he was captured by the French and spent the last eight years of his life imprisoned in the Château de Loches in France, where he died in 1508. Despite his tragic end, Ludovico’s impact on Milanese history and Renaissance culture remained significant.

His patronage helped define the High Renaissance style and elevated Milan as a cultural hub, influencing art and architecture across Europe. Politically, his reign illustrated the volatile nature of Italian politics in the late 15th century, marked by alliances, betrayals, and the emergence of foreign powers on Italian soil.

Conclusion

Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, was a Renaissance prince whose ambitions and talents left an indelible mark on Italy's history. His combination of political savvy and cultural patronage encapsulated the spirit of the Renaissance — a period of profound change and creativity amid political turbulence. Though his political maneuvers ultimately led to his downfall, Ludovico’s legacy endures in the art he fostered and the history he shaped, making him one of the most intriguing rulers of Renaissance Italy. shutdown123