Pontremoli studied at the Academy of Arts in Nice, where his father was rabbi for the local community. He then moved to Turin to study at the Accademia Albertina under Carlo Arienti. In 1852, at the Albertina, one of Pontremoli's works won an award. In 1855, he painted "An attack of the Outposts". He traveled to Paris, where he studied with Horace Vernet, and in 1859 with the War of Independence renewed, he returned to Italy and worked as correspondent for the journal "Illustration" of Paris. He assisted the Battalion of Palestro and San Martino; one of his drawings was purchased by Emperor Napoleon III, and presented to King Victor Emanuel II. Among his works is a large canvas depicting "La presa di Mola di Gaeta", found at the Officer's Club of the 5th Artillery; "Il passaggio del Gorigliano"; and a large canvas of "Prince Carignano at the batteries of Cappuccini, during the Siege of Gaeta (1860)". In 1866 he followed the armies again, and illustrated two events: "Prince Umberto at Villafranca amid the quadrato of the 49th infantry" and "Prince Amedeo wounded at the attack of Cavalchina near Custoza", now found in Palazzo Pitti of Florence. In 1869, he was nominated Vice-Inspector of the Royal Pinacoteca of Turin, and in 1876 Inspector.