Why did Zelenskyy visit Spain to see Picasso's Guernica?

President Zelenskyy visited Spain to view Picasso's 'Guernica,' an anti-war painting, drawing parallels between its depiction of wartime suffering and the current conflict in Ukraine.

What does Picasso's Guernica painting represent?

Picasso's 'Guernica' represents the horrors of war, specifically the bombing of civilian targets, and has become a symbol of suffering, violence, and resistance.

When did Guernica return to Spain?

'Guernica' returned to Spain in 1981, symbolizing hope and the nation's transition to democracy after decades abroad.

Home / War and Conflict / Zelenskyy Views Picasso's 'Guernica' in Madrid Visit

Zelenskyy Views Picasso's 'Guernica' in Madrid Visit

18 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Zelenskyy visited Spain to view Picasso's famous anti-war painting.
The 'Guernica' painting depicts the horrors of war and civilian bombing.
The painting returned to Spain in 1981, symbolizing hope for democracy.

Zelenskyy Views Picasso's 'Guernica' in Madrid Visit

During a recent one-day visit to Spain, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the opportunity to view Pablo Picasso's iconic painting, 'Guernica.' This seminal artwork powerfully illustrates the devastation of war, specifically the bombing of civilian areas, through its stark depiction of suffering and resistance. The imagery of screaming figures and tormented animals has become a potent global symbol of the horrors of conflict.

Zelenskyy has frequently referenced 'Guernica,' notably drawing parallels between its depiction of the 1937 bombing of the Spanish town and the contemporary reality of civilians enduring constant shelling in Ukraine. The painting itself has a significant history, having been displayed at New York's Museum of Modern Art for decades due to Picasso's stipulation that it not be shown in Spain during Francisco Franco's dictatorship.