A rare Picasso artwork that was stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery eight years ago has finally been returned to police, bringing an unusual mystery surrounding the valuable artwork closer to an end.
The Picasso etching, titled “Torero,” was stolen from DeLind Fine Art Appraisal in Milwaukee in February 2018. At the time, the artwork was estimated to be worth between $35,000 and $50,000.
Picasso’s masterpiece disappeared without a trace and remained missing for years, leaving investigators with few clues about where it had gone.
However, eight years after the theft, the stolen Picasso has resurfaced and was handed over to the Milwaukee Police Department, according to authorities.
The painting was reportedly recovered after a person came forward with information about it. Police are now investigating how the etching ended up in the person’s possession and what happened to it during the years it was missing.
It is pertinent to note that the stolen piece was a Picasso aquatint, a printmaking technique that uses an acid-resistant process to create tonal effects.
The case dates back to February 16, 2018, when it was reported stolen from the Milwaukee gallery. The gallery had even offered a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to its safe return.
Now, after spending eight years away from its original home, the Picasso has been returned to police as authorities continue looking into the bizarre theft.
