Art print / Picasso / Limited Edition / Guernica, 1937 / 98 x 67 cm

Guernica is probably Picasso's most famous work and certainly his most powerful political statement. It was painted in immediate response to the devastating Nazi bombing raids on the Basque city of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Guernica depicts the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts on people, especially innocent civilians. The work has attained monumental status, becoming a constant reminder of the tragedies of war, an anti-war symbol, and an embodiment of peace. After its completion, Guernica was exhibited in a short tour around the world and achieved great fame. This tour helped bring the Spanish Civil War to the attention of the world public.

The work is seen as a fusion of pastoral and epic styles. The lack of color increases the drama and creates a reportage quality like a photographic recording. Guernica is blue, black and white, 3.5 meters high and 7.8 meters wide, a wall-sized canvas painted with oil. This painting can be seen in the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid.

Interpretations of Guernica vary widely and contradict each other. This applies, for example, to the two dominant elements of the mural: the bull and the horse. Art historian Patricia Failing says: "The bull and the horse are important figures in Spanish culture. Picasso himself certainly employed these figures in many different roles over time. It is therefore very difficult to pinpoint the specific meaning of the bull and the horse Their relationship is a kind of ballet that has been conceived in many different ways throughout Picasso's career."

Some critics warn against trusting Guernica's political message. For example, the raging bull, a major motif of destruction in this painting, was formerly represented as Picasso's ego, whether as a bull or a minotaur. In this case, however, the bull probably represents the onslaught of fascism. Picasso said it meant brutality and darkness, which is probably reminiscent of his prophecy. He also said the horse represented the people of Guernica.

Image format: 92 x 42.2 cm
Sheet format: 98 x 67 cm

5-color frequency modulated print on 260g Rives handmade paper
Limited edition: 1,000 copies

Without a frame - the picture will be delivered in a sturdy cardboard sleeve.

© layproductions
© Succession Picasso, Paris 2017