1937 Picasso's War Reading

Picasso's War - Atrocity

Provided Content

This document details the events surrounding the Spanish Civil War and Pablo Picasso's engagement with it, examining political dynamics, cultural implications, and the broader historical context.

Quote by Michel Leiris

  • On Art and Human Experience:

    • Picasso's black-and-white canvas depicts ancient tragedy.

    • Emphasizes the beauty in capturing farewell and loss.

Quote by Pablo Picasso

  • Definition of an Artist:

    • An artist is not merely sensory; they are a political being, aware of and shaped by worldly experiences.

    • Claim: Painting serves as an instrument of war, not merely decoration.

Chapter 1 - The Spanish Dead

Prelude to the Spanish Civil War

  • By April 1937, nearly one year of civil war had affected Spain, amid the struggle with fascism and Marxism during the economic turmoil of the 1930s.

  • The existing democratic government faced severe threats from both sides of the ideological spectrum.

Background

  • Dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera:

    • Followed by a fragile coalition government post-1930.

    • The country aimed for progressive and autonomous governance.

  • Political Landscape:

    • Growing tensions with fascist influences (e.g., Mussolini and Hitler).

    • Right and left factions were embroiled in violence leading up to elections in February 1936, hinting at a volatile political climate.

The Outbreak of War

  • Discontent led to a coup attempt by conservative generals, including Francisco Franco, starting on July 18, 1936.

  • Initial Plan:

    • A swift takeover was expected; however, many military generals remained loyal to the republic, leading to chaos.

  • Notable casualties among soldiers and civilians, extensive bombings, and looting ensued.

The Basques and their Struggle for Autonomy

  • Euskadi, home of the Basque people, became a target due to its political autonomy aspirations and abundant resources.

  • Historical Context:

    • The Basque language, Euskera, is unique and unrelated to Castilian Spanish.

  • Centuries of attempts to retain self-governance faced consistent opposition.

  • The fueros (local laws and customs) signified the Basque identity.

Basque Governance During War

  • In October 1936, Basque politicians declared their government amidst rampant instability.

  • José Antonio Aguirre took leadership, pushing for cultural and military preparedness against the Franco-led insurgency.

International Involvement

  • Italians and Germans began to support Franco's forces, helping him gain control over various territories across Spain.

  • Hitler and Mussolini aimed to turn Spain into a Fascist ally, prompting military assistance.

  • The Spanish war signified a broader European conflict, acting as a testing ground for Nazi strategies.

Bombing Campaigns

  • Franco's forces increasingly targeted civilian infrastructures.

  • Civilians in Euskadi faced escalated bombings throughout the summer and fall of 1936, indicating a shift to total war principles.

Impact on Picasso

Picasso’s Identity

  • Despite living in Paris, Picasso never abandoned his Spanish roots. His evolution as an artist reflected his homeland's turmoil.

  • His connection to Spanish culture influenced his art resistance to Franco’s rule.

Artistic Reaction to War

  • The bombing of Madrid in November 1936 affected Picasso deeply, pushing him to engage more directly in cultural politics.

  • Evacuation of Artworks:

    • Amidst threats to the Prado's collections, artworks were evacuated to preserve Spain's cultural heritage.

Creative Response

  • Begin penning a poem titled Dream and Lie of Franco, which symbolized his outrage against Franco's regime.

    • Themes and Imagery:

    • Explores destruction, despair, and impending doom associated with war.

    • Illustrations:

    • Depict Franco as an abomination; a critique of his ideologies and actions.

Effect on Society

  • Accounts from those affected by the bombing illustrate the horrors faced.

  • Surviving accounts from the residents of Gernika reveal collective trauma and loss following the destruction.

Eyewitness Accounts

  • Many survivors recount fleeing as bombs fell, emphasizing the chaos and horror.

  • Descriptions of bodies, destruction, and fire reveal the fierce impact of aerial assault on daily life.

Conclusion

  • The civil war's struggle mirrored Picasso's art evolution, intertwining personal, cultural, and political narratives against a backdrop of one of history's darkest periods.

  • The narrative sets the stage for a discussion on how art both reflects and influences societal change amidst upheaval.