Picasso etching stolen from Milwaukee gallery in 2018 recovered

A rare Pablo Picasso etching titled ‘Torero’ has been recovered in Milwaukee after being stolen from a local art gallery in 2018. The artwork, one of only 30 known signed copies in existence, was discovered by a landlord, Tim Dertz, while he was cleaning out a vacant apartment following an eviction.

Dertz noticed the framed print hanging in an unusual spot, covered in a thick layer of dust. After showing the piece to an antique dealer who recognized the signature, the landlord turned it over to the Milwaukee Police Department. Gallery owner Bill DeLind confirmed the piece was his, noting that the original DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker was still attached to the back of the frame.

At the time of the theft, the etching was valued between $35,000 and $50,000. While the statute of limitations for property crimes in the area is generally six years, the Milwaukee Police Department stated that the case remains under investigation. The artwork is currently in police custody while the owner works with insurance companies to resolve the matter.