Guernica By Pablo Ruiz Picasso: Painting Analysis

Guernica is primarily an anti war mural and a reminder of the tragedies of war. It offers a visual account of the chaotic and devastating impact of war during the Spanish Civil War. It was painted by the cubist Spanish artist, Pablo Ruiz Picasso in 1937. The name of the painting "Guernica" refers to a small country town located in the North of Spain which was bombed by the German Luftwaffe, under the direction of Adolf Hitler. The bombing was a trained mission designed to test the new weapons. The village was the hub of the Republican Resistance Movement which made it an ideal target for the Nationalists. Picasso chose to paint this scene to commemorate the bombing and it has an incredible amount of action for a still image. Picasso´s intent was to ensure the lessons of Guernica are never forgotten. It also severd to increase awareness of the struggle in Spain by bringing greater public attention.
One of the most interesting aspects of the piece is that it is portrayed in monochrome colours of black, white and shades of grey. The lack of color helps emphasize the drama of the chaotic atmosphere after the attacks. Across the painting surface the alternation of black and whites causes a jagged movement. On top of the mural hangs a lamp that seems to be a reference to the sun, showing that not even its rays can bring light to the scene. The predominant colour isblack and it represents all the darkness and death of the situation. Assymetrical forms fill the composition balancing the painting, the figures are divided into three vertical groups moving left to right, while the figures in the center are organised within a large pyramid of