Picasso Painting Worth Over $650,000 Stolen During Transport in Spain

A Pablo Picasso painting, “Still Life with Guitar,” valued at more than $650,000, has been reported stolen during transport from Madrid to the CajaGranada Cultural Center in Granada, Spain, prompting a major investigation.

The artwork, a small gouache and pencil piece created in 1919 depicting a guitar and other objects, was part of a shipment of 57 works that left Madrid on October 2nd. The van carrying the paintings made an unscheduled overnight stop in the town of Deifontes, near Granada, where the drivers reportedly took turns sleeping in or near the vehicle. Investigators are now focusing on this stop as a key point in the timeline. Art theft can significantly impact the art market and insurance rates for valuable works.

Museum staff discovered the painting missing on Monday, October 6th, after unpacking the crates at the CajaGranada Center. Security footage from the weekend showed no signs of forced entry or tampering. “If you’re moving art this valuable, you don’t stop overnight after four hours. You deliver it immediately. Doing otherwise is extremely suspicious,” said Arthur Brand, a well-known art detective. Authorities are reviewing footage from the hostel in Deifontes where the drivers stayed, and are coordinating with Interpol and Europol.

The investigation is being led by Spain’s Policia Nacional and the Brigada de Patrimonio Histórico, the national art-crimes team, who have entered the painting into an international database of stolen artworks. Officials have stated they are open to public tips and remain optimistic about recovering the piece, while also acknowledging the possibility of insider involvement.

Authorities continue to investigate all leads and are pursuing every avenue to locate the missing Picasso.