Picasso’s Guernica

Decrying the Brutality of War for 65 Years

Cathy Williams

Cultural Project 10/28/04

Spanish 1 /Dr. Arias

Question #2

Why did I choose this particular topic?

▪A discussion of what intrigued, interested, or surprised me about it.

As recently as January 2003, Guernica was making headlines around the world, when U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell demanded that the United Nations cover its Guernica tapestry so he could make the case for war in Iraq against a “plain backdrop.” This masterpiece has a voice that spans the Spanish Civil War, WWII, the Vietnam war, and now the war in Iraq. I chose this topic because I wanted to learn more about its origins.  I was intrigued by Picasso’s deep love for the people of his native Spain—demonstrated by his refusal...

The citizens of Gernika (as it is spelled in their Euskera language), along with all Basque people, have a long, complicated history. However, they have always been fiercely protective of their freedoms and way of life.  Guernica (pictured right) is a quaint village of sheep herders and farmers, with industries in manufacturing and shipbuilding, plus mineral resources.

The Basque people can trace their roots to the Stone Age and are aboriginal people thought to be direct descendents of Cro-Magnon man.  In fact, they are acknowledged as the first inhabitants of Europe. In the 16th Century, the Basque people received assurances from the King and Queen that Spain would honor their ancient laws and customs. Each year, the sacred oak tree (pictured left) served as the meeting place where Spanish government officials reconfirmed those promises.

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