Stolen Picasso Etching Returned to Milwaukee Police After 8 Years
On Thursday, a Pablo Picasso etching that had been stolen from Milwaukee's DeLind Art Appraisals in 2018 was returned to the city's police department, as stated in a press release. The piece, titled Torero, is an aquatint and etching printed on paper, and it is the ninth of a limited edition of 30. When it was taken, Bill DeLind estimated its value to be between $35,000 and $50,000. Expressing both shock and relief, DeLind told local station 12 News, "It was like, 'Oh my God.' I never thought I'd see this again. And there it was." He previously noted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the artwork had seemingly "walked off the wall" and mentioned the absence of security cameras. Although police had offered a $10,000 reward for information about the etching, that offer lapsed in 2019. DeLind verified the artwork's authenticity, noting it retained its original frame and glass. Milwaukee Police have not disclosed who returned the etching but are now focused on ensuring it is returned to DeLind.
Key facts
- A Picasso etching titled Torero, stolen from DeLind Art Appraisals in Milwaukee in 2018, was returned to police on Thursday.
- The etching is the ninth in an edition of 30.
- Bill DeLind valued the work at $35,000 to $50,000 at the time of the theft.
- The work had a sticker from DeLind's shop and was still in its original frame with glass.
- A $10,000 reward for information expired in 2019.
- Milwaukee Police have not disclosed who returned the work.
- Police are working to return the etching to its rightful owner.
Entities
Artists
- Pablo Picasso
Institutions
- DeLind Art Appraisals
- Milwaukee Police Department
Locations
- Milwaukee
- United States