A Pablo Picasso etching that disappeared from Milwaukee's DeLind Art Appraisals in 2018 has been turned over to the city's police department, bringing a long-awaited resolution to an art case that drew attention for years.
The work, titled Torero, is an etching and aquatint printed in ink on paper and is the ninth print in an edition of 30. When it went missing, it was estimated to be worth between $35,000 and $50,000.
After the piece was recovered, police asked Bill DeLind to confirm its authenticity. He identified it by the sticker from his shop and said the print remained in remarkable condition, still framed and protected by glass.
DeLind said seeing the artwork again was an emotional moment, noting that he had never expected it to resurface after so many years. Milwaukee police have not disclosed who returned the piece, and the work is now being prepared for handover to its rightful owner.
This recovery highlights how cultural objects can re-emerge over time, reinforcing the value of preservation, documentation, and public trust in the future of art stewardship.
