Guernica tapestry leaves UN: Rockefellers take it back

The Guernicatapestry that had been camping in front of the entrance to the UN Security Council in New York since 1984 to make diplomats aware of the risks of war is leaving the prestigious building. It had been commissioned in 1955 by tycoon Nelson Rockefeller, and the latter’s heir has now wanted it removed from the U.N. headquarters in order to get it back, without specific reasons. The headquarters of the well-known institution was also built on land donated by the Rockefellers.

The work that reproduces on tapestry the famous painting Pablo Picasso made after the bombing of the Basque city in 1937 was made by French atelier Jacqueline de La Baume-Dürrbach.

As of these days, the wall on which the tapestry was hung has remained empty and it seems that the work will be replaced with another one, but it has not yet been decided with which one exactly. This was stated by Maria Luiza Viotti, chief of staff to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN art committee is working on identifying the new work.

The Guernica tapestry had only left the UN in 2009 following renovations to the building and temporarily returned to its owners, but then returned in 2013 when the work was completed.

Pictured: Pablo Picasso, Guernica (1937; oil on canvas, 349.3 x 776.6 cm; Madrid, Museo Reina Sofía

Guernica tapestry leaves UN: Rockefellers take it back

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