Studied in Napoli privately with G. Sannia and G. Battaglini, and graduated, without examinations, in 1869. He taught Algebra and Analytical Geometry since 1872 in the University of Torino , where he was also elected rector from 1880 to 1885. In 1905 he became senator in the Italian parliament, and was also a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.

D'Ovidio was one of the main specialist in forms and invariants among Italian geometers of his times. Through his student C. Segre he may be considered as one of the roots of Italian school of algebraic geometry.

Among his many students we cite C. Segre and G. Fano.

Main commemorations: C. Somigliana, Atti della R. Acc. delle Scienze di Torino , 69, 1934, 119-127; G. Fano, Annuario dell'Univ. di Torino , 1932-33.