How big is the painting of the Guernica?

It has since become the twentieth century’s most powerful indictment against war, a painting that still feels intensely relevant today. Much of the painting’s emotional power comes from its overwhelming size, approximately eleven feet tall and twenty five feet wide.

Why did Picasso not use colour in Guernica?

In any event, the lack of colour gives added impact to the flattened Cubist forms, and adds to the drama of the work by allowing Picasso to highlight key faces and objects in white.

Why was Guernica at the Paris International Exposition?

Guernica was initially exhibited in July 1937 at the Spanish Pavilion at the Paris International Exposition. The Pavilion, which was financed by the Spanish Republican government at the time of civil war, was built to exhibit the Spanish government’s struggle for existence contrary to the Exposition’s technology theme.

Who was the leader of the Nationalists in Guernica?

The Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, were also factionalized but to a lesser extent. They sought a return to the golden days of Spain, based on law, order, and traditional Catholic family values.

When did Pablo Picasso start working on Guernica?

After the bombing, Picasso was made aware of what had gone on in his country of origin. At the time, he was working on a mural for the Paris Exhibition to be held in the summer of 1937, commissioned by the Spanish Republican government. He deserted his original idea and on 1 May 1937, began on Guernica.

When did the bombing of Guernica take place?

Picasso’s painting is based on the events of April 27, 1937, when Hitler’s powerful German air force, acting in support of Franco, bombed the village of Guernica in northern Spain, a city of no strategic military value. It was history’s first aerial saturation bombing of a civilian population.