RA: Art Analysis

I saw this painting before when I took an art history class. I found it emotionally moving, and it came to mind when I thought about it. Picasso painted this after war had broken out and Germany started bombing cities. It is titled [Tragedy of] Guernica.

WATCO bombing civilian cities during war?

Enthymeme: Bombing civilian cities violates principle rules of humanity during wartime because fire bombing completely ends the lives of innocent victims who have nothing to do with war motives.

Audience: Policy makers

Implied Assumption: Whatever ends the lives of innocent victims who have nothing to do with war motives violates principle rules of humanity during wartime.

Ethos: Picasso painted it. Historical event.
Pathos: By showing the mother holding a dying child, a burning man, dead citizens, and even burning animals, Picasso relates the tragic effect of fire bombing. He shows homes burning, cities being destroyed, and even a helpless old man (front left) who has perished in the attack.
Logos: EVERYBODY dies when it comes to bombing cities.

Sufficient: Yes. He shows all types of people and animals that sends a bold message.
Typical: Yep. Everyone who decides to drop a bomb understands this effect.
Accurate: In the case of Guernica, yes. Children, parents, and animals were all killed.
Relevant: All is. Every piece of the painting reflects the terrible pain of the individuals caught in the flames. Even the light at the top of the painting represents the explosion of the bombs. The fire and houses also show the complete destruction of everything.
My opinion is that this is a very effective painting. One can’t look at it and NOT be disturbed. This had to be the effect Picasso went for. It strikes home to everyone and helps them realize the unfairness in bombing civilian cities.