Picasso's Guernica: Analysis of a Masterpiece

Picasso's Guernica: A Cry Against War

Guernica by Picasso is a huge cry against war and brutality. It is also one of the most crucial paintings in the history of twentieth-century painting.

Style and Influences

It gathers geometric forms from Cubism, haunting images from Surrealism, and the dramatic force of Expressionism.

Style: Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism.

Theme and Context

Theme: It denounces the brutal bombing of Guernica suffered by the civilian population due to the fascist German aviation. This was the first indiscriminate attack of modern warfare on civilians.

The absence of color is related to the fact that Picasso learned of the killing from newspapers.

Composition and Structure

The painter used expressive resources so that illuminated figures are highlighted. All sections seem clear and delimit the space that should be filled with color, but he has avoided this. It was a composition (A) with studied structures, symmetry, and perspective.

Symmetry is manifested in the centering of the white wall, in the middle section, and in the vertical pillars that represent it.

In the central panel are located the horse and the woman carrying the lamp. To the right, there is the fire and women crying. To the left are the bull and the woman with the dead child.

The scene is most obvious at the central vertex and the point delimited on the left by a diagonal line formed by multiple elements and issues on the right.

When we approach the fallen warrior and architectural references, they limit the space, marking a very radical turn.

The initial established order breaks down in the painting, achieving an explosive dynamism based on an impression of disorder.

The woman in Guernica serves as a way to communicate with the spectator about Cubism in a simple and direct manner, ensuring the impact.

Symbolism in Guernica

The painting depicts the bombardment of the Basque city of Guernica. The Nazi aviation devastated the people. It is designed to be easily read. Every image is a symbol related to peace.

• The woman entering through the window reveals the truth.
• The crying woman denounces the manipulation of information.
• The horse symbolizes the people.
• The bull symbolizes the force of the village.
• The fallen warrior with a broken bayonet holds a flower, symbolizing a hope never lost.
• The dead child with closed eyes represents an innocent victim with no possibility of defense.

A Pacifist Statement

Life is a shout for peace. Each image expresses a pacifist will.