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Picasso Still Life Lost in Transit Found by Madrid Concierge, Returned After Carrier Admits Error

Police confirmation of an undamaged work followed a transport lapse.

Overview

  • The 1919 painting, Naturaleza muerta con guitarra, valued at more than €600,000, never reached a Granada exhibition after a Madrid shipment failure.
  • Investigators traced the last drop-off to a Chamartín building where transport staff left a wrapped package at the entrance, and missing crate numbering hindered tracking.
  • The concierge, identified as Dolores, kept the parcel believing it was a mirror, and she and her husband were later questioned during the investigation.
  • Madrid authorities recorded the loss in an international stolen‑art database before Policía Científica authenticated the piece and confirmed it was undamaged.
  • The transport company accepted responsibility and the artwork was returned to the exhibition organizers, effectively closing the case.