Should I use "fue" or "era"? why?

Question

This painting was one of Picasso's well-known/famous paintings.

Should I use "fue" or "era". For me the right answer will be "fue" Could you please tell me why? Thank you!

I know that "fue" is Preterite and "era" Imperfect.

Preterite: Imperfect is used for things not finished in the moment in the past we are considering (maybe they finish later, while still in the past, but that is no important when using this tense). Therefore, it is used, for example, to describe things in the past, or for things that used to happen regularly.

Preterite is used for things that ended (or started with verbs like "empezar") in the moment in past we are considering.

I do understand the difference between Preterite and Imperfect but I am sure which one to use in this case. Please help! Thanks!

Hola Tina - you need to correct your post to "but I am NOT sure......" - caza, May 19, 2010

Answer 1

The painting "used to be" one of Picasso's well known/famous paintings. Is it still a well known/famous painting?

Either of those statements/questions would require the use of the Imperfect.