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Spanish Police Recover Missing Picasso as Probe Points to Loading Lapse

Early findings indicate the 1919 gouache was never loaded onto the truck bound for Granada.

Overview

  • The Policía Nacional announced the recovery of Pablo Picasso's Nature morte à la guitare after it was reported missing in early October during a transfer between Madrid and Granada.
  • Investigators said preliminary evidence suggests the work may not have been placed on the transport vehicle at all.
  • The heritage crimes unit is keeping the investigation open and released photos showing the painting in the hands of scientific experts.
  • Fundación Caja Granada said staff noticed the absence when unpacking works for an exhibition and the museum maintains it followed standard security procedures, including video surveillance.
  • The gouache, painted in 1919, is valued at roughly €600,000, and the museum still hopes to present it in its planned show.