He was born in Oppido Mamertina in Calabria, southern Italy, to parents of limited means.

He began in Calabria as a sculptor of wooden Presepi or Nativity scenes.

Because of his talent, his townspeople gave him a stipend to study in Naples.

After a year, he trained in the local Accademia under its director Tito Angelini.

[1] As a young man, he completed a Conte Ugolino bought by Marchese Agostino Sergio.