Born in 1867 in New York City of Genoese parents, , Casenelli has been "Hailed in some quarters as one of the foremost  painters of the American Indian...."

He spent the first twelve years of his artistic career in Cincinnati, after which he moved to Michigan, where he spent sixty years. Although best known for his Indian paintings, Casenelli painted scenes from his travels in Europe as well.  Regardless of subject, his works in oil and watercolor express a sincere love and understanding of nature, a dependence on observation, and a sensitivity to light and - especially - color.  Casenelli was rather adamant about the value of formal instruction in art.  The Grand Rapids Herald of October 19, 1930, quoted this artist as saying, "The real work is the thought that goes into it [the painting], the imagination, the conception, the composition."

His name is sometimes spelled Casnelli, especially during his time in Cincinnati. His Michigan Paintings are signed Victor or V. Casenelli. Between the years of 1904-6, his studio at 526 Vine street was looted.

Among his accomplishments were murals painted for former president William H. Taft in his home. Casenelli died of a stroke in Muskegon, Michigan in 1961.