Pietro Gabrini was born in Rome in 1856. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts in his hometown under the guidance of Guglielmo De Sanctis. He made his debut in 1874 with the historical painting An Episode of the Inquisition, which demonstrated the academic style that would characterize the early years of his career. While initially focused on historical subjects, he later also devoted himself to landscapes, marine scenes, portraits, genre scenes, religious art, and watercolors depicting scenes of everyday life.

Throughout his career, Gabrini exhibited regularly at the most important Italian art exhibitions. In 1883, he received a silver medal at the Roman exhibition of the Society of Amateurs and Cultivators. International recognition came in 1892, when his painting The Landing of Christopher Columbus won a major prize at the Chicago International Exposition.

Gabrini remained active in Rome until his death in April 1926. His paintings continue to be featured in museum collections and at international art auctions, where they are prized for their meticulous craftsmanship, luminous colors, and depictions of Italian life and landscapes.