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Pablo Picasso's Guernic Close Visual Analysis

Decent Essays

Utilising, “The Study Diamond: effects, techniques, context and meaning” (The Open University, 2013, p. 76), this essay will argue through close visual analysis from an art history point of view that Picasso’s Guernica is a form of protest. The essay will also argue that Guernica’s meaning has changed to include becoming a symbol of peace and continues to fulfil its purpose as a form of protest.

A large mural, Guernica is an example of Synthetic Cubism painted by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Created using the medium of oil paint on canvas with a narrow palette consisting of the neutral hues: white, grey and black; the formalist qualities of Guernica can have harrowing effects on the spectator, “But to see it in real life, in its full size, is an even stronger emotional experience. Some people have said they experienced an instant rush of many powerful, fearful emotions” (The Open University, 2016, Block 3, 2.2.2).

Stark colour value distribution in Guernica’s figures creates the effect of palpable tension. Correspondingly, light grey contrasts with a dark grey or black background. A feature of Synthetic Cubism, “There … colours are muted, often virtually monochromatic greys or browns.” Clarke (cited in The Open University, 2016, Block 3, 2.2.4). The doorway at the centre of Guernica depicts a figure carrying a lamp illuminating a scene of carnage within. This distinct contrast of colour enhances the effect of Guernica’s dark corners and can evoke feelings of impending doom.

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