I was born in La Spezia on 17th July 1912.
I had a troubled childhood since World War was about to break out. I had also lost my mother and that was devastating for a little child like me. So I was sent to a boarding-school where I spent the rest of my childhood years. I had classical education, but I didn't learn much during those years there. When the fascist period was over, my desire for learning grew stronger and stronger, so after the war I found a job as a clerk in the local public library, where I was given the opportunity of reading a lot of books. I had been given the post by Mr Ubaldo Formentini, a teacher, who was in charge of the library. I worked there for 25 years, then I took up art teaching. After that I went to Florence where I got my art diploma. Afterwards, in Rome, I got four other teaching qualifications (two for Junior high schools and two for Secondary schools). As I was saying before, I developed such a desire for learning a bit late in my life, but now - I must admit with a deep joy - I have thousands of books : they are all of great value, I must say. When I was in Russia, on the River Don's line, I took an interest in Russian literature and philosophy. My painting activity started when the Genoa town hall gave me a prize. Since then, I took part in various local and national competitions. Old painters from La Spezia had always encouraged me, therefore I would like to remind you some of them: Antonio Discovolo and Luigi Agretti. Besides, I would like to add that my maternal mother belonged to Valle's family. I wish I could emulate this excellent painter from La Spezia.
(Text of the autobiographical letter sent to Ferruccio Battolini, an art critic, in 1991)

"...Giacomo Linari shows us a spiritual, deep, personal experience. A discreet and sensational experience at the same time. We can see it in the religious themes and the quality of his subjects. We can also see it in his notes and books. He was a follower of Saint Luigi Maria of Montfort, master of Marian spirituality. He had always been in search of Christ's Face, guided by the good Mother Mary..." ____Father Battista Cortinovis