The anti-war painting was commissioned in 1955 by Nelson Rockefeller, former US Vice President and Governor of New York, and was offered on loan to the United Nations in 1984
Pablo Picasso’s iconic tapestry of “Guernica”, considered by many art critics to be perhaps the most powerful anti-war painting in history, returned to its place of honor at the United Nations on Saturday after a year-long absence. disappointed many UN diplomats and staff.
Atelier J. A tapestry of a woven painting by de la Baum-Durbach was re-hanged on Saturday outside the Security Council, the most powerful UN body charged with ensuring international peace and security. Since February 2021, the yellow wall on which it was hanging was empty.
The tapestry was commissioned in 1955 by former US Vice President and Governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller and offered on loan to the United Nations in 1984.
After the world body was founded on the ashes of World War II, the Rockefeller family donated land to build the United Nations Complex, in the words of the United Nations Charter, “to protect the succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” When the United Nations Headquarters was undergoing a major renovation in 2009, the tapestry was returned to the Rockefeller Foundation for safekeeping. It was reinstalled in September 2013 when the renovation was completed.
Earlier last year, Nelson A. Rockefeller, Jr., the son of the late vice president and governor who owns the “Guernica” tapestry, informed the United Nations of his intention to retrieve it. The United Nations returned it to him in February 2021.
Rockefeller said in a statement on Saturday that the tapestry was being returned on loan to the United Nations, and that he intended to donate the work to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the future.
“The Guernica Tapestry with its possible symbolism – depicting the terrifying aspects of human nature – wrestles with brutality, darkness, and also the seed of hope within humanity.” Rockefeller said in a statement. “Guernica is meant to experience and interpret the tapestry, Picasso declined to share his message when asked.” Rockefeller said he was “delighted and deeply grateful” along with my family for the careful handling of the tapestry by the United Nations and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“I am grateful that Tapestry will be able to reach a wider segment of the world’s population and enhance its ability to touch and educate lives,” he said.
In a letter to Rockefeller dated December 1, 2021, the United Nations said Mr Guterres wrote: “This is most welcome news as we end a difficult year of global hardship and conflict.” “The Guernica Tapestry speaks to the world about the urgent need to advance international peace and security,” the UN chief wrote. “We are honored to serve as the careful steward of this one-of-a-kind prestigious work – as we draw inspiration from its message.”
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