On April 26, 1937, between 250 and 1,600 people were killed or injured in the bombing of Guernica, one of the most tragic attacks in the Spanish Civil War. Within 15 days of this attack, famous artist Pablo Picasso began work on a commissioned project that would memorialize the attack. It has, since then, become an anti-war symbol and a timeless piece of art by one of the pioneers of the craft.
Size
Guernica is a mural-sized oil painting. It measures 11 feet (3.5 m) tall and 25.6 feet (7.8 m) wide.
Content
The painting depicts buildings, animals and people in a grisly display of pain and despair. It is painted in black and white and is meant to convey the travesty of the Guernica bombing.
Opening Exhibition
Guernica was first exhibited at the 1937 World's Fair, held in Paris. It was part of a display of Spanish art that was part of the Paris International Exhibition at the fair.
Current Location
After its debut, Guernica had a rather long history of touring, which led to its popularity and international appeal. Now the painting can be seen in the Museo Reina Sofia, its permanent home.
Symbolism
When asked about the symbolism of this piece, Picasso stated that he paints things for what they are and means to have no hidden meaning in them, though he may have unconsciously thought some up. Art historians, however, believe that parts of the painting, in particular the horse and the bull, reflect strong symbolism that reflects the war and ties the piece into traditional Spanish artwork.
