Jazeps Grosvalds Son of diplomat and public figure Friedrich Groswald. Date of Birth: 24.04.1891 Country: Latvia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Return to Riga and "Green Flower"
3. World War I and Artistic Expression
4. Persian Interlude and Diplomatic Mission

Early Life and Education

Pēteris Grosvalds was born into an artistic and influential family, as the son of diplomat and social activist Fridrihs Grosvalds. His family's home became a gathering place for prominent figures in Latvian art and culture. From a young age, Grosvalds was immersed in the world of art. After completing gymnasium in 1909, he left for Munich to study painting under Simon Hollósy. He later lived primarily in Paris from 1910 to 1914, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Anglada and Van Dongen.

Return to Riga and "Green Flower"

Grosvalds returned to Riga in 1914, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. He quickly attracted a group of young artists with avant-garde leanings. Together with Alexander Drēviņš, Kārlis Johansons, Valdemārs Tone, and Konrāds Ubāns, he founded the association "Green Flower" (Zaļā puķe). However, the outbreak of World War I disrupted their artistic plans.

World War I and Artistic Expression

In 1915, Grosvalds found himself in Petrograd, where he worked in a refugee aid committee and later joined the Latvian Riflemen Regiment as a warrant officer. During these years, he produced two of his most renowned series of paintings: "Refugees" (Bēgļi) and "Latvian Riflemen" (Latviešu strēlnieki).

Persian Interlude and Diplomatic Mission

In January 1918, Grosvalds enlisted in the British Expeditionary Corps in Persia and the Caucasus. However, a fall from a horse resulted in him being sent to London for medical treatment. From this period, several orientalist works survive, including "Street in Baghdad" (1918). In 1919, Grosvalds moved to Paris to work at the Latvian embassy. Tragically, he contracted influenza and passed away.