Recovered Picasso Painting Unearthed in Madrid Amid Exhibition Turmoil
Spanish authorities have made significant strides in solving a recent art theft case involving a missing Picasso painting. Earlier this month, the renowned artwork titled ‘Still Life with a Guitar’ went missing from a storeroom in Madrid. It was intended for an exhibition in Granada at the Centro Cultural CajaGranada.
Background of the Case
‘Still Life with a Guitar’, created in 1919, is a small framed gouache and one of 56 works prepared for transport to the exhibition. The shipment left Madrid on 25 September, with the entire operation captured on video surveillance. However, upon arrival in Granada, a critical issue arose due to improperly numbered packaging.
Discovery of the Theft
Detectives discovered the absence of the Picasso painting on 6 October, the date scheduled for the exhibition’s inauguration. Prior to this, the CajaGranada Fundación had conducted specific checks and signed consignment notes. A complaint was filed with the National Police on 10 October after the confirmed absence of the painting.
Investigative Efforts
The National Police responded swiftly, launching an extensive investigation. They issued a missing alert through Interpol’s database, which catalogues over 57,000 items reported stolen or missing. Despite the comprehensive search efforts, investigators initially found no significant leads.
Investigative Breakthrough
Discrepancies in the packaging numbers eventually led officers back to Madrid. Forensic police thoroughly inspected the depot where the painting was last accounted for. Their investigation confirmed that ‘Still Life with a Guitar’ was indeed missing.
- Artwork: Still Life with a Guitar
- Artist: Pablo Picasso
- Year Created: 1919
- Value: €600,000
- Date of Transport: 25 September
- Date of Discovery of Absence: 6 October
- Date of Police Complaint: 10 October
The main theory among investigators suggests that the painting may not have been loaded onto the transport truck in Madrid. This case highlights the ongoing challenges and vulnerabilities in the protection of valuable artworks in transit.
