Giovanni Arcimboldi facts for kids
Giovanni Arcimboldi (died 1488) was an important Italian cardinal and bishop in the Roman Catholic Church. He was sometimes called the Cardinal of Novara or the Cardinal of Milan. He served as a special representative (called a legate) in Perugia many times. He was also a Senator in Milan and led the archdiocese there from 1485 to 1488.
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Early Life and Education
Giovanni Arcimboldi was born in either Parma or Milan. He was born in 1421 or 1426. His father was Nicolò Arcimboldo, who managed special incomes for Filippo Maria Visconti. His mother was Orsina Canossa.
Giovanni studied at the University of Pavia. He earned a special degree in law in 1458. He also studied literature with Francesco Filelfo, a famous Italian Renaissance humanist. They even wrote letters to each other.
Early in his life, Giovanni married Briseide Pietrasanta. They had a daughter named Briseide Arcimboldi.
Becoming a Church Leader
In July 1458, Giovanni joined a respected group of legal experts in Milan. This happened thanks to the influence of Francesco I Sforza. After this, he became a Senator for the Duchy of Milan. Francesco I Sforza then sent Arcimboldi to Rome. He served as an ambassador, representing Milan to the Pope.
After his wife passed away, Giovanni decided to join the Church. He received his first church roles in September 1461. On September 20, 1466, he became a subdeacon. This was a step towards becoming a priest. In October 1466, Pope Paul II made him a protonotary apostolic. This was a high-ranking position in the Pope's administration. He also became a canon (a type of priest) in the cathedrals of Pavia and Piacenza.
Important Roles as Bishop and Cardinal
On November 20, 1468, Giovanni was chosen to be the Bishop of Novara. He officially took over the role in May 1469. However, he only stayed there for a few days. Galeazzo Maria Sforza called him away to be an ambassador again. This time, he served Pope Sixtus IV from May 1472 to February 1473.
On May 7, 1473, Pope Sixtus IV made Arcimboldi a cardinal priest. This was a very important promotion. On May 17, 1473, he was given the church of Santi Nereo e Achilleo in Rome. He arrived in Rome on November 24, 1473, and received his red cardinal's hat on December 10, 1473. The Pope then made him the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura. This meant he was in charge of a major court in the Catholic Church. He held this job until he died.
On May 31, 1476, he was chosen to be the temporary Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals. This role involves managing the Church's affairs when the Pope dies. He later chose a different church, Santa Prassede, on December 30, 1476.
On January 15, 1477, Pope Sixtus IV named him a special papal representative (legate) to Perugia. On February 7, 1477, his mission was expanded. He also became a legate to the Kingdom of Hungary, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Later Years and Legacy
During a time when the bubonic plague was spreading, he again served as temporary Camerlengo. This was from May 19 to June 5, 1482. He was then elected to a full term as Camerlengo from January 15, 1483, to January 19, 1484. On November 15, 1483, Pope Sixtus IV named him legate to Perugia for a second time.
After Pope Sixtus IV died, Cardinal Arcimboldi took part in the papal election of 1484. This election chose Pope Innocent VIII. On September 23, 1484, Innocent VIII confirmed Arcimboldi's role as legate to Perugia. Arcimboldi left for his mission on October 11, 1484, and returned to Rome on January 15, 1485.
Meanwhile, on October 25, 1484, he was moved to lead the Archdiocese of Milan. He received the pallium, a special woolen band, on November 12. This showed his authority as an archbishop. He officially took over the archdiocese through a representative on January 1, 1485.
Giovanni Arcimboldi died in Rome on October 2, 1488. He is buried in the Basilica di Sant'Agostino.
