Son of the sculptor Nicola Bassi, he completed his apprenticeship first in Rome, then in Germany and Austria. The early experiences mark the subsequent artistic production, which is influenced by Expressionism and the Viennese Secession: the artistic reference models recall, among others, Gustav Klimt and Franz von Stuck. The influence of classical models is also constant, particularly in the drawing of nudes.
In 1917 he exhibited several works at the 1st Apulian Art Exhibition in Bari. Later he devoted himself to public commissions, facilitated by his proximity to fascism: he was in fact secretary of the Fascio di Trani and member of the provincial federation. He creates public monuments, as well as in Trani, in many other Apulian and Lucanian municipalities.
However, the militancy did not spare him, on 18 September 1944, from being among the 54 hostages taken by the German soldiers in Trani in retaliation after the killing of two soldiers during a guerrilla action. At that juncture, thanks to his knowledge of German, he negotiated his release and the other hostages at the command: his initiative, supported by mayor Giuseppe Pappolla and archbishop Francesco Petronelli, was considered decisive for the positive resolution of the affair.
After the war he mainly devoted himself to private clients. He died in 1965.
