A long-lost masterpiece has finally returned to its home in Milwaukee. In 2018, a rare Picasso etching titled Torero vanished from DeLind Fine Art Appraisals, leaving art dealer Bill DeLind with little hope of recovery. For years, the piece remained a missing part of his collection, despite annual inquiries to local law enforcement.
That changed this past week when a local landlord found the print tucked away in a vacant apartment. While cleaning out the unit after an eviction, the landlord spotted the framed artwork hanging in an unusual location. Covered in years of dust, the print caught his attention, and an antique dealer friend confirmed its true identity. The original gallery sticker remained on the back, proving the item was indeed the stolen property.
Upon receiving the call from police, DeLind described the moment as overwhelming and surreal. He noted that the etching, one of only 30 known to be signed by the legendary artist, was appraised at up to $50,000 at the time of its theft. While the piece is currently held by the Milwaukee Police Department as the investigation continues, its survival after eight years is a relief to those who mourned its loss.