Giovanni Sirtoli was born in Zanica in 1924. He studied at the Carrara Academy under the guidance of Achille Funi. Having become aware of his means, he began to paint regularly in the 1960s, continuing uninterruptedly until his death on 24 November 2002. He participated in national and international exhibitions: La Spezia Art Biennale, Bergamo BID ART I – II – III, Munich, Amsterdam, Sait Jean, Cap Ferrat, receiving numerous awards throughout his career.