Ugo Bernasconi was born in Argentina. From 1899, he studied mathematics in Padua and then painting in Paris. From 1904, he lived in Italy again and was active there not only as a painter but also as a translator and author. In Florence, he worked for the magazine La Voce. Bernasconi specialised in landscapes and portraits, which are characterised by strong atmospheric effects. During World War I he volunteered for military service and after the end of the war he settled with his family on Lake Como. Subsequently, he mainly painted landscapes and continued to work as an author. He participated in numerous exhibitions until the end of his life.