Born in Nola (Naples) in 1844, he was the son of Don Giovanni, surgeon at the military hospital of Nola (originally from San Paolo Belsito), and Donna Carmela, from the wealthy Beard Nola family. Giuseppe was the fourth of five brothers. After studying at the Seminary of Nola, he entered the Art Institute of Naples and attended the Academy of BB. AA. in Naples between 1865 and 1866.

After his university studies, he became friends with the painters of the Posillipo School, but returned to Nola around 1870 to take charge of the School of Design and Applied Arts, where he remained until 1893 .

He married Adelaide, who soon died without having children.