A Milwaukee landlord found a stolen original work by Pablo Picasso while cleaning out a vacant apartment. Timothy Dertz discovered the artwork behind a door in a back room after a tenant moved out. He thought it was strange to find such valuable art in that location, as reported by local news. Dertz took the piece to an antique dealer, who recognized a signature in green crayon that might indicate the artwork’s worth. They researched further and identified it as an etching named Torero, created by Picasso in 1949. This piece had been reported stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018, where it was valued between $35,000 and $50,000. Concerned about being linked to the theft, Dertz promptly went to the police station to share what he had learned.
In August, Milwaukee police reached out to Bill DeLind, the owner of the gallery from which the artwork was stolen. DeLind confirmed that the piece was indeed authentic. He expressed surprise at its return, noting that he never thought he would see it again after eight years and was amazed it was in perfect condition. The gallery had offered a $5,000 reward for information on the etching’s return, which they increased over time until they eventually accepted their loss after receiving insurance compensation.
Smithsonian Magazine cited the founder of the FBI’s Art Crimes Unit, who advised art theft victims to remain patient, as stolen art often reappears through galleries and auction houses. Antique dealers like the one Dertz consulted can accurately assess artwork only if they know its history, which often leads to successful reunions with rightful owners. What do you think about the return of this Picasso piece?
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Source: Good News Network, by Good News Network