Picasso artwork, worth an estimated $35,000 to $50,000, stolen from Milwaukee art dealer

A Pablo Picasso etching worth an estimated $35,000 to $50,000 has been reported stolen from a Milwaukee art brokerage and appraisal firm.

The work, "Torero," was stolen between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday from DeLind Fine Art Appraisals LLC, 761 N. Jefferson St., said owner Bill DeLind.

"It just walked off the wall," DeLind said Saturday.

Michael Goforth, DeLind's business partner, contacted the Milwaukee Police Department after noticing the artwork was missing.

Galleries throughout the Midwest, as well as auctioneers, have been notified about the theft, he said. That will make it difficult for it to be sold.

DeLind didn't notice anyone in the business Friday. Nor does the gallery have security cameras that could have caught images of the theft, he said.

The business doesn't get a lot of walk-ins. But it's in a building with other businesses, which does make the firm more noticeable to the public, DeLind said.

"Torero," which Picasso created in 1949, was at the business because DeLind was hired to sell the work. He called the theft "an unfortunate disaster."

"Torero" is an etching and aquatint printed in ink on paper. It is signed by Picasso, a Spanish artist who died in 1973.

"It's just a very fine piece," DeLind said.