Guernica is housed in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. The mural is about 26 feet wide and 11 feet tall and depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica by German planes in support of General Franco's Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War.
It is of course one of the most famous anti-war paintings in the world. It was a great privilege to see it in person, and I was even more impressed by the presence of the Reina Sofía's docents who thoughtfully and interactively engaged the young students in the painting's meaning.
Here's the context: On a Monday afternoon in April 1937, German Junkers and Heinke bombers commanded by Colonel Wolfram von Richthofen bombed the Spanish town of Guernica for about two hours, resulting in many causalities.
The German air force was acting in support of the Nationalists. Franco's forces opposed the "Republicans" which included a variety of factions including the Communists, Socialists, and Anarchists. The Franco's Nationalist movement sought a return to "the golden days" of Spain based a foundation of law, order, and traditional Catholic family values.
2 comments:
I spent a year in Spain and love Guernica. Great photo... I was just pushing next on the blogger toolbar and came across it. Great shot.
I also saw Guerica in Maddrid (and studied it in college). Better in person than via a textbook. Thanks for keeping us posted Ed. fun to go through all your fabulous pictures. Be safe. Kate
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