Stolen Picasso Etching Found in Vacant Apartment Years After Gallery Heist

A rare Pablo Picasso “Torero” print stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018 has been recovered by a local landlord cleaning out a vacant apartment, according to gallery owner Bill DeLind and local reports. The verified etching, one of only 30 known artist-signed copies, was found hanging on a wall covered in dust and still bore its original DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker on the reverse side, as reported by the Associated Press and ABC News.

Recovery of the Stolen Picasso Print in Milwaukee

Milwaukee landlord Tim Dertz discovered the artwork while clearing out a rental unit following an eviction, according to interviews he gave to WISN-TV and reports by the Associated Press. Dertz noticed the framed piece hanging in an unusual spot and covered in heavy dust. He showed the artwork to an antique dealer friend, who identified it as a Picasso and recognized it as the exact piece reported stolen from DeLind’s gallery years prior. Dertz subsequently turned the print over to the Milwaukee Police Department.

“When they called me, I was in disbelief,” DeLind told reporters. Upon inspecting the piece at the request of police, DeLind immediately verified its authenticity. “The sticker from my gallery was still on the back of the framed print, just as it had been placed there in 2018. It was indeed mine. It came back full circle.”

Valuation, Insurance, and Police Investigation

When the piece vanished in 2018, it carried an estimated appraisal value between $35,000 and $50,000, according to gallery records cited by the Associated Press. DeLind noted that while market values for the scarce etching have likely remained steady, the newfound media attention and unique recovery narrative could push its worth closer to the $50,000 threshold.

The Milwaukee Police Department stated via email that the standard statute of limitations for property crimes and theft in the jurisdiction is generally six years, though authorities confirmed the investigation remains active. FBI spokesperson Caroline Clancy declined to comment when contacted by US News. The artwork is currently secured in the custody of Milwaukee police while the client who originally commissioned the print for sale navigates claims with their insurance provider, DeLind stated.

A Personal Milestone for the Gallery

According to DeLind, his former partner passed away in February without ever seeing the stolen artwork recovered. The partner had been deeply distraught over the 2018 theft and routinely contacted local law enforcement on each anniversary of the crime to request renewed public appeals.

“He would have been over the moon about this,” DeLind said. “It was special to him.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who found the stolen Picasso print?

Milwaukee landlord Tim Dertz found the print hanging in a vacant apartment while cleaning up after an eviction.

How was the artwork identified as genuine?

Gallery owner Bill DeLind inspected the print and confirmed the presence of his original DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker on the back of the frame, alongside its status as one of only 30 known signed “Torero” prints.

What is the current location of the artwork?

The Picasso etching remains in the possession of the Milwaukee Police Department while insurance and ownership details are sorted out.