Guernica at Reina Sofia Museum

"Artists shouldn't ignore big conflicts where humanity's most important values are at stake” - Picasso

There are few paintings as well-known and controversial as the Guernica. Its massiveness is mind-boggling. Its subject matter, dreadful. We are stunned as we stand before this work of art. Its power stems from its directness. Critically acclaimed to be one of the most moving and powerful anti-war paintings in history (depicting the bombing of a Basque village), the raw brutality of Picasso's Guernica is accentuated by the artist's surrealistic style. Before you visit the Museo Reina Sofia, read this guide to know all about Picasso’s masterpiece.

History of Guernica

Guernica depicts the tragic bombing of a village in Basque that took place during the Spanish Civil War. On a quiet afternoon in April 1937, German Nazis and Italian Fascists joined forces with Republican factions led by General Franco to launch an air raid on Guernica. The attack, the first systematic ariel attack on civilians as a war strategy, devastated the town and left a third of its population dead or injured. There is some disagreement over the exact death toll; some say more than a thousand.

Earlier the same year, the Spanish Republican government commissioned Picasso for a mural for the 1937 World's Fair in Paris. Picasso was already working on a different project, but enraged by the senseless violence that he witnessed reported as photographs in various periodicals, including the French newspaper L'Humanité, he abandoned his original idea and channeled his emotions into Guernica.

The images of the women, who are obviously in a lot of pain, are the most moving. This is Picasso's most moving work because he appeals to our baser emotions.

Understanding Guernica

There is something about Guernica’s simplicity. A landscape of muted tones, the colors are matte black and gray. What we see now sits atop eight prior iterations. Despite the lack of hue, the depth of the bottom layers contributes to the painting’s richness. To make it more light- and shadow-responsive, Picasso coated the canvas with white paint and sprinkled crushed glass on top.

Characters and symbols work together to tell the story of Basque-bombing. For instance, the gorged horse appears to be mortally wounded, as if it were a bullfighting scene. The most mysterious character, the bull, just sits there, staring passively.

Art historian Patricia Failing said, "The bull and the horse are important characters in Spanish culture. Picasso himself certainly used these characters to play many different roles over time. This has made the task of interpreting the specific meaning of the bull and the horse very tough. Their relationship is a kind of ballet that was conceived in a variety of ways throughout Picasso's career."

Guernica's legacy

In just seven weeks, this seven-meter-long artwork was completed. The war and its associated horrors were brought to the public's attention by this instant sensation. The world was rocked by the terror of what happened in this Basque village. Guernica came to represent the entirety of war as word of it spread. The town was set ablaze by bombs, innocent civilians—including women and children—were targeted, and enemy planes strafed the area as people sought shelter. Even though Franco and his army won the war, it is through Picasso’s work that we will always remember the crimes they committed.

Picasso made it clear that he did not want the artwork displayed in Spain while Franco was in power. The artwork, which had its European debut before traveling to the Valentine Gallery in New York in 1939, eventually left its adobe and was exhibited in the Reina Sofia after Franco's death in 1981.

Picasso took great pride in Guernica, which is often considered to be one of the most significant or emblematic pieces of 20th-century art. He wrote, “It is my wish at this time to remind you that I have always believed, and still believe, that artist who live and world with spiritual values cannot and should not remain indifferent to a human conflict in which the highest values of humanity and civilization are at stake."

Tips

• Pick the right time to go: The Museum operates daily except Tuesdays from 10am to 9 pm, with Sunday hours until 7pm, though only select collections are available after 2:15pm. During the final two hours each evening (and after 1:30 pm on Sundays), admission is free, a popular choice resulting in potentially long queues. If these times aren't suitable or you wish to extend your visit, the €12 entry fee grants access to both the permanent collection featuring Picasso’s Guernica and temporary exhibitions, offering excellent value for both tourists and locals.
• Respect the silence: Guernica demands contemplation. Avoid loud conversations or using your phone for calls near the painting. While a respectful photo of Guernica is acceptable, resist the urge to use it as a backdrop. Here's a quick tip: the museum offers free loaner pads with charcoal pencils. Sketch a quick reflection in the designated area nearby – it's a more respectful way to engage with the emotions Picasso evokes.
• Become a temporary curator: Guernica isn't alone. Reina Sofía boasts an extensive 20th-century Spanish art collection. While you're waiting or after viewing Guernica, explore a hidden gem: the "Picassos in Context" gallery, usually less crowded. Here, you'll see works by Picasso's contemporaries, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic milieu that birthed Guernica. Be sure to stop by Reina Sofia’s free-access art library, hosting a collection of over 100,000 books, over 3,500 audio recordings, and 1,000 videos!
• Guernica’s predecessor: Two years prior, in 1935, Picasso created the etching "Minotauromaquia", a synthesis of symbols from his cycle dedicated to the mythological creature, serving as the most direct precursor to Guernica. While not housed at the Reina Sofia, it can be accessed through the museum's online archives due to a dedicated exhibition. The Museu Picasso in Barcelona houses the sketch, and a print of "Minotauromaquia" can also be found in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.