When asked about the symbolism(in 'Guernica'), Picasso said, “…this bull is a bull and this horse is a horse… If you give a meaning to certain things in my paintings it may be very true, but it is not my idea to give this meaning. What ideas and conclusions you have got, I obtained too, but instinctively, unconsciously.  I make the painting for the painting. I paint the objects for what they are.”

While living in Paris during the Nazi occupation, Picasso was harassed by the Gestapo.  One officer is said to have seen a photograph of Guernica in Picasso’s apartment and asked, with disgust, “Did you do that?”  Picasso responded, “No, you did.”