Anselm's mother was a daughter of Guelfo della Gherardesca, Count of Donoratico, and Uguccionella degli Uppezinghi.
Anselm occupied the Visconti estates, but it is not known if only those in the curatoria of Gippi or those in the third of Cagliari which Giovanni had acquired as well.
Anselm took over the reins of government in the Giudicato of Arborea after the imprisonment and assassination of his cousin Nicholas by the real judge, Marianus II.
Anselm was married to Teccia, daughter of Gherardo della Gherardesca and Theodora, and niece of Ugolino.
On account of jealousy for the affection of the Pisan populace, Ugolino had him poisoned.