CARABELLI. - A family of sculptors and stucco workers from Ticino, natives of Obino near Mendrisio. Very active between the 17th and 19th centuries, also abroad, especially in Austria.
The most notable members are: Antonio, born in 1648, died in 1694, a stucco worker who in 1689 participated in the decoration of the church of the Theatines in Salzburg. Donato, born in 1760, died in 1839, worked in England and then, after 1789, executed numerous statues and bas-reliefs for the façade of Milan Cathedral. Francesco, born in Castel S. Pietro (Mendrisio) in 1737, died in 1798, a pupil first of his father Giovanni Albino and then of C. M. Giudici in Milan. There he gained some renown as a portraitist and executed many statues for the Cathedral and the palaces of Milan. A Madonna and Child of his is in Monza Cathedral. He also created sculptures for the park of Schwetzingen in Germany. Giovanni Albino, born in Castel S. Pietro (Mendrisio) in 1689, died in 1760, studied in Rome from where he sent works to Portugal during the reign of King John V. He also carried out notable works for the churches of his native town.
Caracalla - Bust - Vatican, Gallery of Busts.