Picasso's Guernica: A Step-by-Step Journey

Few paintings express as much as Pablo Picasso's Guernica. Considered by many to be the most remarkable painting not just of Picasso, but of the entire 20th century, it transports viewers back to that fateful day, April 26, 1937. On that day, the German Condor Legion and the Italian Legionary Aviation, fighting on the side of the Nationalists against the Spanish Republic, mercilessly bombed the Basque town of Guernica. This tragic event served as a dark inspiration for Picasso's masterpiece.

The Beginnings of Guernica

Foto: Dora Maar / Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

On May 1, 1937, Picasso began the first sketches of what would become Guernica. By June 4, he had completed the painting. In just over a month, he created a masterpiece that not only represents suffering and pain but also serves as a direct indictment against war.

Picasso’s initial sketches were sparse and skeletal, capturing the raw emotions he felt upon hearing the news of the bombing. The early lines were a harbinger of the complexity and intensity that would characterize the final piece. These preliminary drawings are now seen as vital insights into Picasso’s creative process, reflecting his ability to channel his outrage and sorrow into a powerful visual language.

The Immense Scale

One of the first things that strikes viewers about Guernica is its extraordinary size. Measuring 3.49 meters in height and 7.77 meters in width, it is one of the largest paintings Picasso ever created. This colossal size enhances the impact of the work, making it a true giant in the art world.

The dimensions of Guernica serve not just to overwhelm the viewer physically but also to envelop them in the depicted chaos and despair. Standing before the massive canvas, one is compelled to confront the enormity of the tragedy it portrays. The sheer scale of the painting demands attention and introspection, making it impossible to ignore the message Picasso sought to convey.

Black and White

Picasso chose to paint Guernica in black and white. He wanted the painting to express "darkness and brutality," attributes that are amplified by the absence of color. This choice heightens the raw emotion and starkness of the scene, creating a powerful visual impact.

The use of black and white can also be seen as a nod to the photojournalism of the time, which often brought images of war to the public in monochrome. By stripping away color, Picasso may have been aiming to create a timeless, documentary-like quality that speaks to the universal and enduring nature of suffering and conflict.

The Commission

Guernica was commissioned by the Government of the Second Spanish Republic to be displayed in the Spanish Pavilion at the 1937 International Exposition in Paris. It quickly became a powerful anti-war statement and a symbol of the pacifist movements worldwide.

The commission came at a time when the Spanish Civil War was raging, and the Republican government sought to draw international attention to the atrocities being committed. Picasso, a Spanish expatriate living in Paris, was deeply affected by the events in his homeland and saw the commission as an opportunity to make a powerful statement against the horrors of war.

The Evolution of Guernica

As Picasso worked on the painting, he made numerous changes. For example, an agonizing horse that initially appeared in the early sketches changed form and position several times before reaching its final central place in the composition. Other elements, such as the raised fist initially intended to hold a bouquet of flowers, evolved into a light in the upper part of the painting.

Photographs taken by Dora Maar, Picasso’s partner at the time, document the various stages of Guernica’s development. These images provide a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s process, showing how the composition shifted and evolved over time. The addition of the light bulb, the changing positions of figures, and the refinement of details all highlight Picasso’s relentless experimentation and dedication to capturing the essence of his vision.

Iconic Elements

One of the most iconic elements added during the painting's evolution is the light bulb in the upper part. This element has been interpreted in various ways by experts, symbolizing development, hope, and providence. It stands out as one of the most recognizable features of the painting.

The light bulb, positioned above the central scene of chaos, could be seen as a representation of technological advancement and its double-edged nature. While it brings light and progress, it also highlights the destruction and suffering caused by the modern machinery of war. This duality adds another layer of complexity to the painting, inviting viewers to ponder the ambiguous relationship between progress and destruction.

The Tragic Inspiration

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The bombing of Guernica reduced the town to ashes. Over three hours, in several waves, bombers and attack planes strafed and bombed the town, destroying over 85% of its buildings. Estimates of the amount of bombs dropped range from 31,000 to 47,000 kilos. This enormous amount of armament for a town barely a square kilometer in size left a lasting impact on Picasso, who was living in Paris at the time.

The attack on Guernica was intended as a demoralizing act of terror against the civilian population, a cruel tactic to break the spirit of the Basque resistance. The indiscriminate bombing, which targeted innocent civilians, women, and children, turned the town into a hellish landscape of fire and rubble. The horror of these events reached Picasso through news reports and personal accounts, searing into his consciousness and compelling him to respond through his art.

The Controversy

The number of casualties has always been a topic of controversy. However, according to a report by the Basque Government, over 1,600 people died that day. This horror deeply moved Picasso, prompting him to express his sense of helplessness and pain through his art.

The exact death toll of the Guernica bombing remains disputed, with some sources suggesting lower figures. Nonetheless, the impact of the attack was undeniably devastating, both in terms of human loss and psychological trauma. Picasso’s painting captures this collective anguish, immortalizing the suffering of the Guernica residents and standing as a testament to the senselessness of war.

Legacy of Guernica

Upon completion, Guernica was displayed in the Spanish Pavilion at the 1937 International Exposition in Paris. It captured the world's attention and has since been exhibited in numerous galleries, becoming a beacon of protest against war.

Guernica’s legacy extends beyond the art world. It has inspired countless artists, writers, and activists, serving as a symbol of resistance and a call to action against violence and oppression. Its presence in various exhibitions and public displays has ensured that its powerful message continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Viewing Guernica in Madrid

Today, Guernica is housed in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. To fully appreciate this powerful work, it is recommended to visit the museum and experience it in person. The painting is displayed in a specially designed room that allows viewers to immerse themselves in its intricate details and profound emotional impact.

The Museo Reina Sofía offers a comprehensive context for understanding Guernica, with exhibits that explore its creation, historical background, and lasting significance. Visitors can also view related works by Picasso and contemporaneous artists, providing a richer understanding of the artistic and political climate of the time.

Recommendations for Visiting

To avoid long queues and ensure a smooth visit, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. This can be done through the Museo Reina Sofía's official website. By securing your tickets beforehand, you can bypass the lines and spend more time contemplating Picasso's masterpiece.

In addition to Guernica, the Museo Reina Sofía houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers. Take the time to explore the museum’s diverse exhibits and enjoy the rich cultural offerings of Madrid.