An investigation into the disappearance of a valuable Picasso painting worth €600,000 (£525,000) has concluded that the artwork never actually left its pickup point in Madrid. The gouache and pencil work, titled Naturaleza muerta con guitarra (Still Life with Guitar), was reported missing on 3 October after failing to arrive at the CajaGranada foundation in Granada for an exhibition.
According to sources close to the investigation, the transport company left the package in the doorway of a building in Madrid. A neighbour, believing it to be a forgotten delivery, took it inside for safekeeping. Days later, after her husband mentioned the missing Picasso in the news, she checked the package and contacted the police.
The painting, created by Picasso in 1919, was intended to be a highlight of the foundation's Still Life: the Eternity of the Inert exhibition. The foundation noted that while some works were carefully packaged, they were not correctly numbered, making an exhaustive check impossible. The delivery was signed off, and the van departed for Granada.
Upon unpacking the consignment the following Monday, the exhibition's curator and head of exhibitions noticed the missing piece. The foundation reported the matter to the Policía Nacional, who launched an investigation. On Friday, the force announced the recovery of the painting, stating: 'It may never have made it on the van.'
The Historic Heritage Unit is keeping the investigation open, and scientific police are examining the package. Despite the incident, the foundation remains keen to receive the painting for display as originally planned.
