Born in
Milan, he was the son of the architect
Giovanni Solari, and brother of
Francesco Solari. Guiniforte was chief engineer of the
Duchy of Milan during his life. He is especially remembered for his disputes with
Filarete, who had been called by Duke
Francesco I Sforza to modernize the Lombard architecture according to the new
Renaissance styles. However, Solari represented the local
Gothic tradition. Buildings which he worked on include the
Duomo, the church of
Santa Maria delle Grazie and the
Ospedale Maggiore in
Milan, and the
Certosa of Pavia. Also attributed to him is the
Portinari Chapel, in the
church of Sant'Eustorgio, Milan. He died in Milan around 1481. His son
Pietro was also a distinguished sculptor and architect. ==References==