John Gruen
American art critic, art historian, author, photographer, and composer
About John Gruen
Lived 1926 – 2016 (aged 89). John Gruen was an American art critic, art historian, composer and photographer.
John Jonas Gruen (born Jonas Grunberg; September 12, 1926 – July 12, 2016) was an American art critic, art historian, author, photographer, and composer.
Early life and education Jonas Grunberg was born Enghien-les-Bains, France, the youngest of four sons, to Abraham Grunberg who was initially a diamond dealer later became a travel writer, and Aranka Dodeles.
Grunberg chose the name "John Jonas Gruen" in an attempt to Americanize himself. He learned how to speak English from Hollywood films. Gruen graduated from the High School of Commerce in New York City. The Sixties: Young in the Hamptons (2006) and Two Men (2013) are a themed collections of his photographs.
Personal life and death In 1948, Gruen married painter Jane Wilson, whom he met while studying at the University of Iowa.
Discography New Songs (1951) Contemporary Christmas Carols (1952) Song Cycles Woodwind Quartets Songs to Texts by James Joyce
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Gruen?
American art critic, art historian, author, photographer, and composer (1926-2016)
When was John Gruen born?
John Gruen was born on 12 September 1926 in Enghien-les-Bains.
When did John Gruen die?
John Gruen died on 12 July 2016.
What was John Gruen's occupation?
John Gruen was an art critic, art historian, composer and photographer.
What nationality was John Gruen?
John Gruen was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Gruen. https://biography.guide/john-gruen/
MLA: "John Gruen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-gruen/.
Chicago: "John Gruen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-gruen/.
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