A lithographic print by world-famous painter Pablo Picasso was yesterday unveiled at the Bermuda National Gallery to mark International Peace Day.

School groups viewed the historic artwork to explore its symbolism and observed peace day with a moment of silence.

The 1962 lithograph, Colombe au Soleil (Dove with Sun),is part of The Power of Art exhibition at the gallerty.

The work depicts a dove flying towards the sun above a pile of broken weapons

Picasso created it as an advertisement for the World Congress for Disarmament and Peace held in Moscow in 1962. The artwork is on loan from the private collection of Hamilton Princess and Beach Club owners the Green family until the end of the month.

BNG executive director Lisa Howie said: “We are having a few school groups coming through and while noon is the hour for one minute of silence in recognition of those who have fallen in the efforts to have global peace, they are having a moment of silence whatever time they are here.

“We are having them unpack the symbolism of the work in relation to the time when it was made in the ‘60s in relation to global disarmament and how is it still relevant today.

“One of the things that the children pointed out how Picasso at the end of a revolver has a heart.

“They were talking about the simplicity of lines and depiction along with the prowess of the work.

“They said it feels relevant remarking on where they felt there was strife in the world that needs to be still healed.”

Ms Howie said Picasso was one of the most famous artists to be featured in the gallery in its 25-year history.

She added: “We have had a Jean-Paul Piopelle who is one of Canada’s most well known modern artists, we have had Rodin and we have had Sevre Porclain who was featured in Versailles with Marie Antoinette’s personal collection.”