In 1482, Leonardo moved to Milan in the hope of obtaining the patronage of the ruler of the city, Ludovico Sforza, also known as Ludovico il Moro ("Ludovico the Moor" or "Ludovico the Dark") for his swarthy features.
Leonardo offered his services as a military engineer, sculptor and painter.
Ludovico accepted gladly, financing an independent workshop for the artist.
Leonardo would stay in Ludovico's service for 18 years.
