Where were Giannelli’s sculptures typically produced?

Arnaldo Giannelli’s work is linked with Italian carving centres, especially in Tuscany. The town of Volterra has long been known for alabaster production, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. By the 19th century, Volterra supported many workshops producing both artistic and decorative pieces. These workshops often combined traditional hand carving with small-scale production methods. Skilled artisans would shape the stone, refine details, and polish the surface. Giannelli’s sculptures likely came from such an environment, where craftsmanship and trade were closely connected. Production in these regions was organised in a semi-industrial way. A workshop might produce dozens of similar pieces each month, with slight variations in detail. This explains why many Giannelli busts share similar designs yet differ in finishing touches. The connection to Italian heritage adds to the appeal of these works. Buyers often associate them with a long line of sculptural tradition, even when they were originally created for export markets.