GUERNICA

Picasso, Pablo. Guernica. 1937. Oil on canvas. 25' 6" x 11' 5"

In 1884 a serious earthquake struck Malaga. A three year old was whisked through the town, his eyes wide in awe and horror at the contorted and screaming faces, bodies lying in the street, and collapsed horses and other farm animals left half-dead. This highly observant child plunged deep into the chaos and looked on at the scene around him, confused and disoriented, but curious. The boy's mother, writhing and screaming in pain amidst the destruction and turmoil, gave birth to his sister that very night before him.