Tadeusz Gorecki was born on 5 June 1825 in the manor of Dusinėnai [lt] (or Dusenėtai), near modern-day Vilnius.

[4] Attracted to art at an early age, he probably received lessons from his cousin, Walenty Wańkowicz.

[3] In 1850, he applied for and was awarded the title of "Portrait Artist" for his painting of Peter Clodt von Jürgensburg.

[4] Later that year, he began an extensive trip, visiting Warsaw, Berlin, Paris and Madrid, where he spent some time copying works at the Museo del Prado.

[3] In November 1857, he went to Paris to marry the writer Maria Mickiewiczówna [pl], daughter of the poet, Adam Mickiewicz.