Son of Ugo and Jole Nizzoli, accounting clerks who represent the typical petty bourgeoisie between the two world wars, Umberto Mariani grew up within a family environment that was however permeated by strong ideals.

In 1943-1944, their home in Milan served as a refuge for groups of persecuted Jews, protected and helped by the clandestine organization headed by Fernanda Wittgens.

Opera Gallery, present with twelves offices located over 5 continents, sign an exclusive contract to organize shows of Mariani's work in Paris, New York and Hong-Kong.

[2] At the beginning of 2019, the artist was awarded by the Centro Studi Grande Milano at Palazzo Isimbardi, the Grandi Guglie honor, for his role as an ambassador of Milanese culture in the world.

Frammenti da Bisanzio (atto terzo)[4] 2024 at Basilica Palladiana, Vicenza, historical artworks in the exhibition POP/BEAT-Italia 1960-1979 – Liberi di sognare[5]