Guernica
A Painting by Pablo Picasso
About the Artist
Pablo Picasso was born on October 25, 1881, in Malaga, Spain. From the age of eight, Picasso possessed a unique and powerful talent to paint and draw, partially due to his father’s job as an art teacher, but more so from Picasso’s own outlook on the world around him. While he was taught classically by his father and the schools in which he attended, young Picasso never followed in the footsteps of the normal and traditional, instead struggling with classical composition and style. Despite his problems with several technical aspects of art, many of his pieces were already revered and well-known throughout Spain, especially: Science and Charity, The First Communion, and several others. After attending, and eventually dropping out of a prestigious art school in Madrid, Picasso moved to Barcelona, Spain, immersing himself in avant-garde art and architecture. In 1917-1918, Picasso served as the designer for the famous Russian ballet, Ballet Russes, and Jean Cocteau’s ballet, Parade. In 1937, Picasso painted his most well-known piece, Guernica, in response to the Nazi’s bombardment and destruction of Guernica, Spain. Following his massive success, Picasso would continue to paint until his death, on April 8, 1973. EDH
Relation to "Tragic Events"
One of the most tragic events to occur in life is war, which affects both innocent and guilty individuals alike. This piece of artwork by Pablo Picasso, embodies the horrific nature of war through its portrayal of the fear, pain, and suffering of those who are affected by conflict. EDH
Guernica
EDH
Discussion Questions and Activities
1. Research the background of this painting. Does the art style in which Picasso painted the piece add to the message he is trying to get across? If he had painted in a different art style, would this have changed the message?
2. Search online for the reaction the public had to the piece of artwork. How did this change the way the people saw the fight against the Nazis?
3. Teachers, find an image or images from World War II which displays bombings such as Hiroshima, Nagasaki, London Blitz. Discuss with your class whether Picasso’s work is an accurate portrayal of the horrors individuals saw during those days.
4. Teachers, show students the painting and ask what they think the painting is about; however, they must give examples from the painting to prove their ideas. Reveal the paintings background to the students, and ask for thoughts or reactions to the truth. Does this painting have the typical elements found after a bombing? EDH
2. Search online for the reaction the public had to the piece of artwork. How did this change the way the people saw the fight against the Nazis?
3. Teachers, find an image or images from World War II which displays bombings such as Hiroshima, Nagasaki, London Blitz. Discuss with your class whether Picasso’s work is an accurate portrayal of the horrors individuals saw during those days.
4. Teachers, show students the painting and ask what they think the painting is about; however, they must give examples from the painting to prove their ideas. Reveal the paintings background to the students, and ask for thoughts or reactions to the truth. Does this painting have the typical elements found after a bombing? EDH
Essay and Response Questions
1. Why did Picasso only choose one color scheme for his painting? Why would he not choose bright or natural colors?
2. What is the purpose of the painting? Who is Picasso trying to influence through it? Research the 1937 bombing of Guernica, Spain and see how the painting is related.
3. What is the symbolism of the broken sword, spear, and arrow in reference to the will of the individuals who were bombed?
4. What is the significance of the single light bulb hanging in the center of the painting? Why would Picasso make it the brightest source of light within the painting as a whole? How does it represent the hopes of the people who have lost their homes due to the devastating attacks by the Nazis? EDH
2. What is the purpose of the painting? Who is Picasso trying to influence through it? Research the 1937 bombing of Guernica, Spain and see how the painting is related.
3. What is the symbolism of the broken sword, spear, and arrow in reference to the will of the individuals who were bombed?
4. What is the significance of the single light bulb hanging in the center of the painting? Why would Picasso make it the brightest source of light within the painting as a whole? How does it represent the hopes of the people who have lost their homes due to the devastating attacks by the Nazis? EDH
Formatting by: RLS