A Pablo Picasso etching missing since 2018 has resurfaced in Milwaukee and is now back in the hands of authorities, closing an eight-year search for the artwork.
The print, Torero from 1949, is one of only 30 known examples and was originally owned by Bill DeLind of DeLind Fine Art Appraisals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time of the theft, it was estimated at $35,000 to $50,000, and its value may now be even higher.
The piece was discovered by Milwaukee landlord Tim Dertz inside an apartment vacated by a tenant. Covered in dust, the framed work later drew attention from an antique dealer who recognized it as the missing Picasso. A gallery sticker still attached to the back helped confirm its identity.
Milwaukee police said a community member turned the etching in on August 5, and investigators are now working to return it to its rightful owner. DeLind described the recovery as deeply meaningful, noting that the artwork had long been part of a personal and professional story.
The print remains in police custody while ownership and insurance matters are finalized. Its recovery highlights how careful observation and community awareness can help preserve cultural heritage for the future.
