A stolen Pablo Picasso print, missing for nearly eight years, was discovered in a vacant Milwaukee apartment by a landlord during an eviction cleanup. The artwork, titled Torero, created in 1949, was originally taken from a Milwaukee gallery in February 2018. It was recovered by landlord Tim Dertz, who found the print hidden in a back bedroom of the apartment while going through belongings after an eviction. According to police, the print was turned in to authorities on August 5, 2026, and confirmed to be the same piece reported stolen in 2018. The Torero print is one of 30 known to exist, each signed by Picasso. It was initially commissioned for sale at a gallery owned by Bill DeLind, who expressed deep emotion upon learning of its recovery. Speaking to The Associated Press, DeLind described the moment as “overwhelming,” adding that he was “at a loss for words.” The print had been appraised at between $35,000 and $50,000 at the time of its theft, and DeLind believes its current value may be closer to $50,000 due to the unique circumstances surrounding its disappearance and return. Tim Dertz, the landlord, discovered the print covered in dust, suggesting it had remained undisturbed for a long period. He consulted an antiques expert, who identified it as a Picasso. Upon further research, Dertz realized the print had been reported stolen. He then contacted the police, who reached out to DeLind to confirm ownership. The print bore a sticker from DeLind's appraisal service, confirming its origin. DeLind described the discovery as “full circle,” emphasizing the emotional significance of the return. The theft occurred in 2018 when the Torero print was part of a collection displayed at DeLind’s gallery. At the time, the gallery was co-owned by Michael Goforth, who passed away earlier this year. Goforth had been deeply committed to recovering the print, often contacting police annually on the anniversary of the theft to request renewed publicity. His efforts were cut short by his death, but DeLind said Goforth would have been “over the moon” about the recent discovery. The print remains in the possession of Milwaukee police while the client who originally commissioned it works with their insurance company to resolve the matter. According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the statute of limitations for theft and property crimes typically expires after six years. However, the department stated that the case remains under active investigation. While police have not ruled out pursuing potential leads, the focus appears to be on resolving the legal and financial aspects of the recovery. An FBI spokesperson in Milwaukee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Bill DeLind emphasized the importance of maintaining hope in cases involving stolen art, noting that even rare occurrences can lead to unexpected resolutions. He encouraged others facing similar situations not to lose faith, stating, “Don’t give up hope.” The Torero print’s journey from theft to recovery highlights the unpredictable nature of such cases and underscores the role of community involvement in solving them. The print’s return has reignited interest in the broader issue of art theft and recovery, particularly in smaller cities where such incidents may go unnoticed for extended periods. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft, although no suspects have been identified. As the case unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the proper transfer of the artwork to its rightful owner while respecting the legal processes involved.
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