He began sculpting early on in life, thanks to the stoneworking tradition of the island of Brač, where he was raised. He finished arts school in Venice in 1871 and afterwards became a part of the Fiorentine sculpting atelier.
He initiated his sculpting career at an early stage, influenced by the stoneworking customs of Brač Island. Following his graduation from arts school in Venice in 1871, he became involved with the Florentine sculptural workshop.