Born in Hungary, Grunwald moved to the United States in 1921 and settled in the New York area. A prodigy of New York's Art Students League, his work spanned many modern American movements from the WPA to Abstract Expressionism. During his lifetime, Grunwald exhibited alongside other popular artists such as Paul Klee, Jean Arp, Max Ernst and Charles Burchfield.
A highly prolific artist, it was said that Samuel Grunvald painted every day of his life. His favored medium was watercolor, and he painted most often in series. Some of his popular themes included: New York scenes, genre paintings, the American countryside, and the abstract. Market Uptown is a colorful and somewhat abstracted rendering of a city outdoor market that borders on the rural outskirts with hills that can be seen in the near distance. In a strongly patterned arrangement of planes and color Grunvald painted his figures in vivid garb against the protruding displays of food and flowers that project from the boldly hued store fronts laced with jaunty awnings. His vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes reflect a strong Modernist influence.
Greenwich Gallery, Greenwich, CT
Private Collection, New Canaan, CT