A Symbolic Cry of the Brutality of War: Picasso’s Guernica
Picasso is known to be a pacifist artist, with numerous works in the theme of peace and anti-war meanings. As a leading Cubist artist, Picasso’s works consist of complicated post-expressionist symbolisms that are difficult to appreciate out of the blue. Guernica, created in 1937 in the context of the Spanish Civil War, is probably one of the most representative and famous piece of Picasso’s pacifist work in the theme, as well as a Cubist work in its artistic presentations (Chipp). Guernica is not only moving in its expressions, but also full of symbolism and critical insights against the brutality of war in its meanings. It was painted after the bombing of Guernica, which took place in April 1937 when the Spanish Civil War was at its most heated stage. The ruthless bombing of Guernica left the city in ruin and ashes, and the people in the darkness of deaths, injuries and despair. Guernica was believed to be painted as a critical response to the incident, which illustrate a moment of chaos and pain when the bombing begins (Thomas, 32). Through the painting of Guernica, Picasso aims to capture the cruelest aspect of war and the devastating effects it has on the people. The unique historical setting and the close connection of such to the meanings of Guernica makes it essential to put this
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By doing so, the vast symbolisms in Guernica, the illustrations of disorder, of destruction, and of the evil and monstrous nature of war can be