Background
He was born and died in Vienna. Edwin Grienauer was the son of cello player Karl Grienauer and opera singer Helene Schott. His father migrated to the United States. to pursue his musical career, leaving Edwin to fend for himself in Vienna.
Career
At 19, Edwin created his first portrait plaques and then went on to study at Vienna"s applied arts college (Wiener Kunstgewerbeschule). He fought in World War I and suffered an injury that partially disfigured his face. In 1935, he received the title of Professor and taught at the Vienna Arts Academy (Akademie der bildenden Künste) after 1945.
His studio was located in the Vienna Prater park, where he died in 1964.