A rare, signed etching by Pablo Picasso, missing for nearly a decade after its theft from a Milwaukee art gallery, has been recovered. The artwork, titled “Torero,” was discovered in a vacant apartment and turned over to police, marking a surprising end to its mysterious absence.
A Chance Discovery in Bay View
The story of “Torero’s” return began on August 5th when a Milwaukee landlord, Tim Dertz, stumbled upon the valuable print while clearing out a Bay View apartment following an eviction. Dertz found the etching hanging on a wall in what he described as a “weird spot.” Years of accumulated dust suggested it had been in place for a considerable time.
Initially, Dertz contacted an acquaintance who dealt in antiques. This friend recognized the distinctive style of Picasso and suspected it might be the very artwork that had been stolen from Bill DeLind’s gallery on North Jefferson Street back in February 2018. Acting on this hunch, Dertz brought the print to the Milwaukee Police Department’s District Four station.
Confirmation and Relief
The following day, an authenticator examined the print and confirmed its identity. It was indeed the “Torero” etching, one of only 30 known copies bearing Picasso’s signature, that had been reported stolen from DeLind’s gallery. The discovery brought immense relief to Bill DeLind, the gallery owner.
“I was overwhelmed,” DeLind shared. “It was indeed mine. It came back full circle.” He noted that the DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker, still affixed to the back of the frame, provided immediate confirmation. When the piece was stolen, DeLind had appraised it at between $35,000 and $50,000. He believes its unique recovery story might now push its value closer to the higher end of that range, or even beyond.
A Decade of Uncertainty
The original theft occurred on February 16, 2018. The loss deeply affected DeLind’s former business partner, who passed away in February. According to DeLind, his partner was devastated by the theft and would contact the police annually on the anniversary of the crime, hoping for renewed attention that might lead to the print’s recovery. “He would have been over the moon about this,” DeLind remarked.
The Milwaukee Police Department expressed gratitude for the community member’s actions. “The Milwaukee Police Department is grateful that this community member recognized the etching print and did the right thing and returned it,” a department statement indicated. While the statute of limitations for theft and property crimes in Milwaukee is generally six years, the police department has stated that the investigation remains open, though no further information beyond the initial release is available.
Picasso’s Legacy and the Journey of ‘Torero’
Pablo Picasso, the celebrated Spanish sculptor and painter, died in 1973 at the age of 91, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the art world. His “Torero” etching, created in 1949, is a testament to his prolific output and enduring influence.
The journey of this particular “Torero” print from a prominent gallery to a seemingly forgotten spot in a vacant apartment, and finally back into the hands of authorities and its rightful owner, is a narrative filled with intrigue. The artwork is currently in police custody as insurance matters are addressed by the client who had commissioned its sale through DeLind’s gallery.
This recovery serves as a remarkable reminder that even long-lost treasures can resurface in the most unexpected ways, often thanks to the diligence and integrity of ordinary citizens.
