Ioan Andreescu was born in Bucharest in 1850, into the family of a merchant. His father, Andrei Dobrescu, wanting to ensure a higher education for his son than his own, enrolled him in a reputable boarding school. Andreescu then continued his studies at the High School "Lazarus" in Bucharest, where he developed his drawing skills. Once graduated from secondary school, he went to "St. Sava" college, but because of the declining financial situation of the family, Andreescu was forced to think about a career that would provide an income in the nearest possible time.

In 1869, he left college and enrolled in the newly established section line drawing and calligraphy at the National School of Fine Arts, led by Theo...