Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Uncle Joe

(60,042 posts)
Thu Dec 7, 2023, 06:38 PM Dec 2023

Picasso's Guernica: Great Art Explained




Guernica is the most famous anti-war painting in history, and Picasso’s best-known work. It has gone from a piece that was created in protest at the horrific bombing of a small village in northern Spain, to an icon and a universal symbol of freedom from ALL wars. Picasso said, “We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth”, and like so much of Picasso’s work it can be difficult to decipher the ‘truth’ in the political, artistic and religious symbolism.

James Payne looks at some of the more acknowledged interpretations along with techniques, composition and artistic inspiration. Guernica is a masterpiece that always leaves the viewer with more than they brought to it, and here, Great Art Explained, traces the work from its underwhelming reception when first seen in 1937, through to its status over eighty years later as one of the most influential and iconic works of all time.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Picasso's Guernica: Great Art Explained (Original Post) Uncle Joe Dec 2023 OP
Tx, saw G. in NY before it was returned to Spain after Franco, per Picasso. appalachiablue Dec 2023 #1
Art influenced by great art. Marcuse Dec 2023 #2
Perfect for representing Gaza today Goddessartist Dec 2023 #3
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Artists»Picasso's Guernica: Great...