Mariano Barbasán began his training at the San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia, where he entered in 1880. During his time as a student, he maintained a close relationship with his fellow students Joaquín Sorolla and Salvador Abril. In 1887 he moved to Madrid to see the collections of the Prado Museum, and that same year he took part in the National Exhibition of Fine Arts.

During this period he travelled regularly to Toledo, studying its landscapes and architecture. In 1889 he obtained a pension from the Diputación de Zaragoza to complete his studies in Rome. He finally decided to stay in Italy permanently. He opened a studio in Rome, but for long periods he worked in Subiaco, in the Roman countryside.

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