Pablo Picasso’s "Still Life with Guitar," insured for €600,000, mysteriously vanished while being transported from Madrid to an exhibition in Granada. The painting was discovered missing only during unpacking, despite the transport van arriving safely. Police are investigating possible theft during an overnight stop, with no arrests yet. The exhibition opened without the masterpiece, highlighting
Spanish National Police are conducting an investigation into the disappearance of a Pablo Picasso painting, "Still Life with Guitar," valued at approximately €600,000. The painting vanished while being transported from Madrid to Granada for the exhibition "Still Life. Eternity of inertia," organized by the CajaGranada Foundation.
The artwork was part of a consignment of 57 pieces from private collections. The transport van arrived in Granada on October 3, but the Picasso painting was discovered missing only during unpacking on October 6, leaving authorities puzzled about the exact moment and location of its disappearance.
The investigation centers on the transport route and security measures, including an overnight stop about 27 kilometers from Granada, where two employees guarded the cargo.
The painting's owner had purchased it years ago for €60,000, and its current insurance value has risen to €600,000. Despite the theft, the exhibition opened as planned but without its highlight. Picasso's works are frequent targets for theft given their high value, with some auctioned for over $140 million.
This incident is a significant loss for the Spanish art community and highlights the vulnerabilities in art transportation security.
The case remains open as authorities continue to track leads to recover the missing Picasso masterpiece and bring those responsible to justice.news18 +2
