He was the son of Gian Giacomo Durini, Fourth Count of Monza (1717-1794), and was initially destined for an ecclesiastical.
He studied in Rome, took his vows there, and was appointed Governor of Città di Castello at the age of twenty-six.
Shortly after, Napoleon invaded the Papal States and all of the authorities were removed from office.
He returned to Milan, gave up his priesthood, called himself a Republican, and established his political career in the Cisalpine Republic.
His son, Alessandro, became the 6th Count of Monza and an artist who supported the efforts to oust the Austrians.