Pompeo Massani was a Florentine painter and studied at Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence and trained by the painter Gordigiani. Massani received public success and recognition during his lifetime and his paintings were much sought after.

After his debut exhibition in 1879, Massani continued to exhibit in Genova, Florence, and Rovigo, as well as in other countries. His paintings won him numerous prizes including a silver medal at the Esposizione di Rovigo of 1879 and a first prize with Un Brindisi al Frate (A Toast to the Monk) which was shown at the Espozione di Genova in 1881. He was also given the honor of Chevalier de la Couronne d’italie.