During a routine cleanup of a recently relinquished Milwaukee apartment, landlord Timothy Dertz made an extraordinary discovery: an original Picasso etching that had been stolen from a local art gallery eight years earlier. The artwork, valued between $35,000 and $50,000, has now been confirmed authentic and returned to its owner.
- Landlord found stolen Picasso while cleaning apartment
- Etching ‘Torero’ stolen in 2018, valued at $35,000-$50,000
- Art returned to original gallery after eight years
What happened
Milwaukee landlord Timothy Dertz discovered an original Pablo Picasso etching titled 'Torero' while cleaning out an apartment that a tenant had recently left. The artwork was hanging in an unusual spot towards the back of the unit. Suspecting its value, Dertz showed it to an antique dealer who identified the signature and helped confirm its authenticity.
Further investigation revealed the etching had been stolen from a Milwaukee art gallery in 2018. The gallery had attempted to recover the piece for years and even offered a reward. After confirming the findings with the gallery owner, police were involved to ensure the artwork’s proper return.
Why it feels good
The return of the Picasso etching is a moment of relief and celebration for the Milwaukee art community, which had long given up hope of recovering the stolen piece. The gallery owner expressed amazement that the artwork remained in perfect condition after eight years away from the public eye.
This discovery also highlights the enduring hope tied to art theft cases—many stolen pieces resurface years later through attentive individuals and genuine curiosity. The positive outcome illustrates how diligence and honesty help preserve cultural treasures.
What to enjoy or watch next
Collectors, gallery owners, and art lovers can take inspiration from this story as a reminder to stay alert for lost artworks. Auction houses and antique dealers often play a key role in identifying and returning stolen art thanks to their expertise and ethical practices.
For those interested in the world of lost and found art, following updates on art crime units and recovery efforts can be rewarding. Stories like this one reinforce the value of community vigilance and the continuing journeys of masterpieces thought lost forever.