Stolen Picasso etching found in Milwaukee apartment after 8 years

A Pablo Picasso etching stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018 has been recovered after a landlord found it in a vacant apartment. Gallery owner Bill DeLind identified the print, titled "Torero," by the sticker from his shop still on the back. The piece is one of only 30 signed by Picasso and was appraised at $35,000–$50,000 when stolen.

The discovery

Landlord Tim Dertz discovered the framed print while cleaning out an evicted tenant's apartment. He told WISN-TV it was "in a weird spot hanging on a wall" and covered in dust. After an antique dealer friend recognized it as the stolen Picasso, Dertz turned it over to police, who contacted DeLind. "I was overwhelmed," DeLind said. "It was at a loss for words." Source: AP News

Investigation and status

Milwaukee police say the statute of limitations for theft is generally six years, but the case remains under investigation. The FBI declined to comment. The artwork is currently held by police while the original client who commissioned the sale works with his insurance company. Source: The Guardian

Value and significance

DeLind estimates the print's value has not changed much, though its story might push it toward the higher end of the range. He noted that his late business partner, who died in February, had called police every year on the anniversary of the theft to keep the case alive. "He would have been over the moon about this," DeLind said. Source: AP News