A Pablo Picasso etching, stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018, has been recovered by a landlord who discovered it while clearing out a vacant apartment. The print, titled "Torero," is one of 30 known to exist and signed by Picasso.
Bill DeLind, owner of DeLind Fine Art Appraisals, identified the artwork when contacted by police. The gallery's sticker was still attached to the back of the framed print, confirming its identity. DeLind expressed being overwhelmed by the recovery, stating it was a moment he never expected.
The landlord, Tim Dertz, found the etching hanging on a wall in the apartment of an evicted tenant. Describing it as covered in dust, Dertz showed it to a friend who recognized it as a potentially valuable Picasso. Dertz then turned the print over to the Milwaukee Police Department, which subsequently reached out to DeLind.
The artwork was appraised at between $35,000 and $50,000 when it was stolen in 2018. DeLind believes its value has remained similar, though its unique recovery story might increase its worth. The print is currently held by the Milwaukee police as the client who commissioned its sale works with their insurance company.
DeLind mentioned that his former business partner, who passed away in February, had been deeply affected by the theft and had contacted police annually on the anniversary of the crime, hoping for its recovery. DeLind noted that his partner would have been thrilled by the news.
The Milwaukee Police Department confirmed that the case remains under investigation. The statute of limitations for theft and property crimes in Wisconsin is generally six years.