Born in Naples, d'Orsi was recognized for his distinctly neoclassical style, which was deeply influenced by both ancient Roman and Renaissance ideals. In 1857 he entered the Regio Istituto di Belle Arti in Naples, he continued his studies in Rome, then returned to Naples where he settled, became an accomplished artist, working primarily in marble and bronze. His works are celebrated for their technical precision and idealized depictions of the human form. d'Orsi was part of the late 19th-century movement in Italy that revived classical sculpture, though with a modern sensibility that reflected the changing tastes of the time.

In Neoclassical sculpture, the idea of pathos was often used to communicate moral lessons or philosophical themes, encouraging the viewer to reflect on virtue, sacrifice, and the human condition. One of d'Orsi’s notable works is his Pathos, which depicts a young nude woman perched on a rock. The composition emphasizes the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, as the figure sits with a poised yet introspective expression suggesting both grace and a quiet, contemplative sorrow. The rock on which she rests serves as both a physical and metaphorical foundation, grounding the figure while adding a sense of emotional depth to the work. The smooth, polished surface of the bronze contrasts with the textured rock, highlighting the artist’s mastery in rendering both the human body and the natural world with lifelike precision.