What is francesco maria della rovere?

Francesco Maria della Rovere (1490-1538) was an Italian nobleman who served as the Duke of Urbino from 1508 until his death. He was born in Savona, Italy, as the son of Giovanni della Rovere, and he inherited the duchy of Urbino from his uncle, Guidobaldo da Montefeltro.

Francesco Maria was a patron of the arts and commissioned several important works during his reign as Duke of Urbino, including paintings by Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael) and Titian. He also founded the Accademia Raffaello in Urbino, which was a center for humanist scholarship and artistic training.

Francesco Maria was a military leader as well and fought in several battles during his reign, including the Wars of Italy and the Italian War of 1521-1526. He was known for his bravery and his military tactics, which helped him to maintain control of the duchy of Urbino in the face of invading forces.

Francesco Maria married Leonora Gonzaga in 1509 and had several children with her, including Guidobaldo II della Rovere, who succeeded him as Duke of Urbino. Francesco Maria died in 1538 in Pesaro, Italy, and was buried in the church of Santa Maria della Grada in Urbino.