Guernica

“My whole life has been nothing more than a continuous struggle against Reaction and the death of art.” -Pablo Picasso

I highly encourage you to read George Bothamley’s recent post on Picasso’s Guernica painting which you can do Here. As well as subscribe to his “Art Every Day” Substack. (I’ve recommended it prior.)

One sublime snippet from it that I thought to share with you…

It comes from some time in the 1940s, during the Second World War – when Picasso was still living in Paris, and would often have to suffer through studio visits from Nazi soldiers or members of the Gestapo.

Essentially, these men had been tasked with rooting out any art / artists that were deemed “not suitable” for their agenda at the time. And, as you can imagine, men like this would often take a strange pleasure in striking a bit of fear into whoever they met – just to make sure they knew who was really in charge here!

So, on one particular visit to Picasso’s studio, an officer actually brought with him a small newspaper clipping, which featured a picture of Picasso’s notorious “Guernica” painting. 

And while locking his eyes on the artist with a stern gaze (obviously hoping to see the famous man in Paris reduced to a cowering wreck)- the officer handed the little clipping to Picasso, saying “Did you do this?”

Picasso glanced briefly at the paper. 

But to the surprise of all who were present that day – the artist did not even flinch.

Instead, he simply looked back at the officer again – pointing to the Nazi flag on the man’s uniform.

And, with an astonishing level of composure, Picasso simply replied:

“No. You did it!”