Achille Perelli (Italian/American, 1822 to 1891)
Born in Italy, Achille Perelli was studying at the Academy of Arts in Milan for sculpture and in 1848 fought with the Italian patriot Garibaldi’s Freedom Fighters and came to New Orleans after their defeat. He was an avid teacher, sculptor, and painter and received significant commissions for sculptures placed in many cemeteries and public spaces.
Information courtesy of New Orleans Auction, May 2006.
The Italian artist Achille Perelli, arrived in New Orleans by 1851 and became known both as an accomplished painter and sculptor. Perelli sculpted busts, statues and medallions of notable local citizens, including Winfield Scott and P.G.T. Beauregard. In 1880, he received a commission by the Association of the Louisiana Division of the Army of Northern Virginia for the statue of Stonewall Jackson on his tomb in Metairie Cemetery.