He was born in Csetnek, and descended from an impoverished noble family originating in Gömör és Kis-Hont County.

[1] When the Hungarian Revolution began, he and his brother (also named András) left school to join the struggle.

[2] His first historical painting, Kuruc and Labanc (depicting brothers fighting on opposite sides), was warmly received.

[2] He returned to Hungary in 1870, but his style was heavily criticized for being too French, and revolutionary fervor had lessened considerably.

[1] In 1873, after especially harsh criticism of his work Gábor Bethlen Among the Scholars, he retired from painting and took over his father's business.