A stolen Pablo Picasso print, once believed lost forever, was discovered in a vacant Milwaukee apartment by a landlord nearly eight years later. The print, titled “Torero,” was originally stolen from a local art gallery in February 2018 and was found on August 5, 2026, by Tim Dertz, a landlord who was cleaning out an abandoned unit. According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the print was identified as having been stolen and was subsequently returned to the gallery owner, Bill DeLind, who expressed shock upon learning of its recovery. The “Torero” print, created in 1949, is one of 30 similar works known to exist and was originally commissioned for sale at DeLind’s gallery. The theft occurred on February 16, 2018, and was reported to authorities at that time. Dertz stumbled upon the print during an eviction process, finding it tucked away in a back bedroom, heavily dusted and seemingly forgotten. He consulted an antiques expert, who confirmed the print's authenticity as a Picasso. Upon further research, Dertz realized the print matched the description of the one stolen from DeLind’s gallery. DeLind, who owns DeLind Fine Art Appraisals, was initially skeptical when police informed him of the discovery. However, upon seeing the print, still bearing the sticker from his gallery, he confirmed it was indeed his. The print, valued between $35,000 and $50,000 at the time of the theft, is now estimated to be worth approximately $50,000 due to its unique history. DeLind noted that the print remains in the possession of the Milwaukee Police Department while the original client who had commissioned it for sale resolves matters with their insurance company. The case has stirred emotional responses among those connected to the theft. DeLind recalled that his late business partner, Michael Goforth, had been deeply invested in recovering the print. Goforth, who passed away earlier this year, had reportedly become obsessed with the idea of retrieving the artwork. DeLind described Goforth’s determination, stating that he had even called the police annually on the anniversary of the theft, hoping for news of the print’s whereabouts. While the theft itself is now resolved, the legal implications remain. The Milwaukee Police Department stated that the statute of limitations for theft and property crimes typically stands at six years, yet the case continues to be investigated. This suggests that law enforcement may still pursue additional leads or consider alternative charges related to the theft. Meanwhile, DeLind expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the slim chances of such a recovery but emphasizing the importance of perseverance. In parallel developments, another high-profile art recovery took place in Brazil, where eight stolen works by Henri Matisse were recently found in a residence near São Paulo. These pieces, including notable titles such as “Le Clown” and “Le Cirque,” were stolen from a local library in December 2025. Authorities believe the artworks were held by a suspect named Joao Paulo Linhares de Araujo, who allegedly retained them after the theft. Several individuals, including a suspected mastermind named Laessio Rodrigues de Oliveira, have been arrested in connection with the case. Despite these efforts, five additional works by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari remain unaccounted for, with local authorities suggesting they may have already been sold. These two cases highlight the ongoing challenges faced by art collectors and law enforcement in tracking down stolen masterpieces. While the recovery of the Picasso print offers a rare and heartwarming resolution, the unresolved status of the Matisse works underscores the complexities of art crime investigations. As both cases continue to unfold, they serve as reminders of the enduring mystery and value associated with some of the world’s most celebrated artistic creations.
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