Some of the most famous paintings in the world came about because of their artists’ response to wartime activities and atrocities. Guernica is one of Picasso’s most famous pieces taking war as its theme.

Guernica is a masterpiece of huge proportions, measuring three and half metres by seven and a half metres. It depicts the bombing of the town of Guernica by German and Italian planes on behalf of Spanish Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War.

Picasso’s anti-war painting demonstrated with full effect the impact of war on innocent civilians and brought Spain’s plight onto the world stage. The painting can be seen at the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid.