A Pablo Picasso etching stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018 was recovered last week after a landlord found it in the apartment of an evicted tenant. The 'Torero' print, one of 30 known signed etchings by the artist, was identified by gallery owner Bill DeLind as the stolen piece after police contacted him.
Recovery details and verification
Milwaukee landlord Tim Dertz discovered the framed print while clearing out a vacant apartment in late September. The artwork was hanging in an unusual location—a back bedroom behind a closed door—and was covered in dust, suggesting it had been there for an extended period. Dertz, who initially showed the piece to an antique dealer friend, recognized it as a Picasso and contacted authorities.
DeLind confirmed the recovery after police brought the print to his gallery for identification. The artwork still bore the DeLind Fine Art Appraisals sticker from its original appraisal in 2018, when it was valued between $35,000 and $50,000. The Milwaukee Police Department confirmed the case remains under investigation, noting that the statute of limitations for theft and property crimes in Wisconsin is generally six years.
Artwork’s history and current status
The 'Torero' etching was displayed on consignment at DeLind’s gallery at the time of the theft. The gallery owner stated that the piece had been commissioned for sale and was covered by insurance. The recovered artwork is now in police custody while the client works with their insurer. DeLind described the moment as overwhelming, saying, 'It was indeed mine. It came back full circle.'
The FBI’s Milwaukee field office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the recovery or any potential leads in the case.