Bashkirtseff was born in Gavrontsi (Havrontsi) near Poltava, Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine), to a wealthy noble family. Her father was a local marshal of nobility, Konstantin Pavlovich Bashkirtsev. Her mother Maria Stepanovna Babanina (1833—1920) also belonged to Russian nobles. Her parents separated when she was 12. As a result, she grew up mostly abroad, traveling with her mother throughout most of Europe, with longer spells in Germany and on the Riviera, until the family settled in Paris. Educated privately and with early musical talent, she lost her chance at a career as a singer when illness destroyed her voice. She then determined to become an artist, and she studied painting in France at the Robert-Fleury studio and at the .
Bashkirtseff was born in Gavrontsi (Havrontsi) near Poltava Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine) to a wealthy noble family Her father was a local marshal of nobility Konstantin Pavlovich Bashkirtsev Her mother Maria Stepanovna Babanina (1833—1920) also belonged to Russian nobles Her parents separated when she was 12 As a result she grew up mostly abroad traveling with her mother throughout most of Europe with longer spells in Germany and on the Riviera until the family settled in Paris Educated privately and with early musical talent she lost her chance at a career as a singer when illness destroyed her voice She then determined to become an artist and she studied painting in France at the Robert-Fleury studio and at the 