despite his fame, he continued to live an impoverished and hectic existence, which probably contributed to the decline of his health. by 1931, he was dividing his time between bucharest and constanţa, having agreed to paint the walls of saint george's church in the latter city. tonitza was angered by the reception of his work in constanţa, declaring himself insulted after he was made to showcase his designs in competition to lesser-known artists. eventually, he received the commission, and spent the next two years at work on the murals, while distancing himself from "grupul celor patru".