Peter Leonhard Gianelli

Peter Leonhard (Pietro Leonardo) Gianelli (27 December 1767 23 December 1807) was a Danish medallist and sculptor. His most notable works include two medels commemorating the Danish Abolition of the Slave Trade and the Battle of Copenhagen (1801), both of which were based on drawings by Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard.

Early life and education Gianelli was born on 27 December 1767 in Copenhagen, the son of plasterer Domenico Maria Gianelli (c. 1723–1801) and Johanna Eisen (1743–1812). His father had come to Denmark in 1758 and was married to Maria Barbra (c. 1735–1759) in his first marriage. The family resided at Østergade 133 in Copenhagen.

Gianelli attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1778 to 1791. He was initially trained as a sculptor, winning the small and large silver medals in 1784 and 1787 and finally the small gold medal in 1789. He then decided to specialize as a medallist. Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard saw to it that he was awarded the Academy's travel stipend in 1791 in spite of not having won its large gold medal. He spent the next five years abroad. He died on 23 December 1807 and is buried in the Catholic section of Assistens Cemetery. His widow was subsequently married to his brother Giovanni Domenico Gianelli, a plasterer.

List of works Olfert Fischer's personal example of the Medal commemorating the Battle of Copenhagen (1801), now in the National Museum of Denmark.

Medals Danish Abolition of the Slave Trade Medal (1792) Medal commemorating the Battle of Copenhagen (1801) Statues Apollo (1787)

Reliefs Kain and Abel (17789) H. W. v.Huth (1783, Frederiksborg Museum) Ove Høegh-Guldberg (1784, Frederiksborg Museum)

Busts Balth. Münter (1789, Copenhagen University Library) J. C. J. v.Berger (1791, Frederiksborg Museum)