The central lighting in Pablo Picasso's painting Guernica is surrounded by a darker background and darker figures around the edge of the painting. This draws the viewer's eye to the light fixture in the center, which symbolizes the "Eye of God" shining down on the horrors of the scene. In particular, the light illuminates the wounded horse, symbolizing the impact on the country's defensive forces. A female figure below stares up mesmerized at the light shining on her face, revealing her from the darkness - she symbolizes progress out of despair, though still partially in darkness.