The Guernica

THE GUERNICA

PABLO PICASSO

He was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

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Historical Context

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Museo Reina Sofía

The picture

Picasso's Guernica, an iconic work of the 20th century

Pablo Ruiz Picasso

Pablo Picasso, born on October 25, 1881, in Malaga, Spain, was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. From a young age, he displayed exceptional artistic talent, studying in Barcelona and Paris. During the Spanish Civil War, he sided with the Republican faction, and in 1937, he painted Guernica, one of his most iconic works and a symbol against war. Picasso continued to create until his death in 1973, leaving behind an immense artistic legacy and a contested inheritance that ultimately went to his daughter Paloma. His work remains a crucial influence in contemporary art.

GUERNICA

Few paintings express as much as Picasso's **Guernica**. Considered the most notable painting of the 20th century, it portrays the horror of April 26, 1937, when the German Condor Legion and the Italian Aviazione Legionaria, supporting the rebel faction, massacred thousands in the Basque town of Guernica. This attack served as a testing ground for Hitler's aviation, foreshadowing the horrors of World War II. Confronted with this massacre, Picasso chose not to remain indifferent and painted a canvas that expressed his feelings upon hearing the tragic news while living in Paris.

The Guernica traveled across Europe and the United States in prominent exhibitions since 1938. Displayed in cities such as Oslo, London, Chicago, and Sao Paulo, it symbolized the struggle against violence and oppression. In 1981, after years of negotiations, it was returned to Spain and today resides in the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, alongside sketches and variations that enhance its historical and artistic impact.

Historical Context

The painting alludes to the bombing of Guernica, which occurred on April 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. At that time, Guernica, located in Vizcaya, Basque Country, was under the control of the Second Spanish Republic. The Basque town of Guernica was bombed by the Condor Legion of German aviation forces, supported by the Italian Air Force. The bombing resulted in 127 deaths, sparked widespread public outcry, and resonated internationally. The painting reflects the duality of two scenes in one: the left side appears to depict the interior of a house, while the right side portrays the exterior, connected yet separated by thresholds.