At first gained some training in painting on a private basis, and then enrolled at the Munich Academy in 1864. He settled here upon completion of his studies, and put his work entitled "May Fest", which has by today become one of the emblematic pieces of Hungarian art, up for show also in Munich. Becoming disenchanted he returned to his country estate in 1873, only picking up the brush again in 1895. His solo exhibition of 1896 was a huge success, and he was elected a member of parliament the same year. He took a study tour of Southern Italy in 1901 and became the director of the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in 1905, also taking part in organising MIÉNK in 1907. The Szinyei Society formed after his death not only kept his memory alive, but also became the most important artistic association of the period between the World Wars.