A signed etching by renowned artist Pablo Picasso, reported stolen from a Wisconsin art gallery almost a decade ago, has been successfully recovered. The artwork came to light after a Milwaukee property owner surrendered it to law enforcement officials.
The original 1949 Picasso etching, titled "Torero," was delivered to the Milwaukee Police Department's District Four on August 5. The individual who discovered the piece harbored suspicions that it might be stolen property, prompting the report to authorities.
An art authenticator confirmed the following day that the print was indeed the one reported missing from a Milwaukee art gallery located on the 700 block of North Jefferson Street on February 16, 2018.
"The Milwaukee Police Department is grateful that this community member recognized the etching print and did the right thing and returned it," stated a representative for the MPD.
Unexpected Discovery
Milwaukee landlord Tim Dertz was the one who found the rare artwork by the celebrated Spanish sculptor and painter. He made the discovery while clearing out an apartment in the Bay View area following an eviction.
Picasso passed away in 1973 at the age of 91.
"It was kind of in a weird spot hanging on a wall," Dertz recounted to a local news outlet. He observed that the print appeared to have been in place for a considerable period, noting "tons of dust" accumulated across its upper edge.
Dertz subsequently showed the print to a friend who deals in antiques. This friend immediately recognized it as a Picasso and suggested it might be the artwork stolen years prior from Bill DeLind's Milwaukee gallery.
Following this realization, Dertz promptly turned the print over to the police, who then contacted DeLind to arrange an examination.
A Gallery Owner's Relief
Bill DeLind informed a wire service that he instantly identified the stolen "Torero." This particular print is one of only 30 known copies personally signed by Picasso. Adding to the certainty, DeLind's DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker remained affixed to the back of the framed piece.
"I was overwhelmed," DeLind expressed. "It was indeed mine. It came back full circle."
When the print was initially stolen, it was appraised with a value between $35,000 and $50,000, DeLind noted. He suggested that its current value might now be closer to $50,000, partly due to the unique narrative surrounding its recovery.
Ongoing Investigation
The artwork is currently held in Milwaukee police custody. This arrangement is in place while the client who originally commissioned the print for sale through DeLind's gallery resolves insurance-related matters.
Milwaukee police indicated to a local station that the statute of limitations for theft and property crimes generally extends for six years. Despite this, the investigation into the print's disappearance and recovery remains active.
DeLind shared that his former business partner, who passed away in February, was deeply affected by the 2018 theft. Each year on the anniversary of the crime, his partner would contact police, advocating for renewed public attention in the hope of locating the missing piece.
"He would have been over the moon about this," DeLind remarked, reflecting on his late partner's likely reaction to the print's return.