Michele Cascella (1892-1989) was born in Ortona a Mare (Province of Chieti), in the Abruzzo region of Italy on September 7, 1892.
He was the second of 7 children (3 boys and 4 girls). Michele’s father, Basilio Cascella, was also born in Ortona in 1860, as was his grandfather, Francesco Paolo Cascella, who was a tailor for women. Michele’s mother, Concetta Palmerio, was from Guardiagrele, the daughter of a very popular veterinarian in the area at the time.
Michele’s father was his first and most influential teacher. Basilio was a painter, engraver, ceramist, lithographer and illustrator. Before Michele was born, he lived and worked in Naples, Milan, Turin, Venice, London and Palermo.