Mystery as Tiny Picasso Painting Vanishes Before Exhibition

Spanish authorities are investigating the baffling disappearance of a small but highly valuable Pablo Picasso painting that vanished en route to a Granada exhibition. The gouache and pencil work, Nature morte à la guitare (Still Life with Guitar), dates from 1919 and is roughly the size of a postcard, measuring 12.7cm by 9.8cm. Despite its diminutive size, the painting carries a hefty price tag, with insurance valuing it at 600,000 euros (approximately £520,000).

The artwork was part of a shipment of 57 pieces being transported from Madrid to the Caja Granada Foundation, scheduled to feature in a show examining four centuries of still-life painting. However, when curators began unpacking the works on October 6, they were alarmed to discover that Picasso’s piece was missing.

The Transport and the Overnight Stop

According to sources, the works were loaded onto a lorry in Madrid on October 2. The drive to Granada, normally taking around four hours, included an overnight stop at the Hotel Nacimiento in Diefontes, about 15 miles from the exhibition venue. The two transport workers reportedly took turns guarding the vehicle during the stopover.

When the lorry finally reached the foundation, all packages were offloaded and transported via lift to the exhibition space on the first floor. At this stage, the painting’s absence went unnoticed due to incomplete labeling: not all packages were properly numbered, meaning a full check was impossible without unpacking each individually.

The foundation has stressed that the artworks were under continuous video surveillance, and no break-ins or suspicious activity were detected over the weekend. Nevertheless, the painting has vanished without a trace.

A Painting of Historical and Artistic Significance

Nature morte à la guitare is a classic example of Picasso’s early 20th-century still-life work, combining his signature cubist influences with meticulous gouache and pencil detail. While relatively small, the piece has been described by art specialists as highly significant, demonstrating Picasso’s ongoing experimentation with form and perspective during the post-World War I period.

A Picasso expert at Ledor Fine Art explained that the painting had been purchased at auction several years ago for 60,000 euros. However, the insurance valuation for its display at the Caja Granada exhibition was set at 600,000 euros, reflecting both its rarity and importance within Picasso’s oeuvre.

The Investigation

Spanish police have launched a formal inquiry, questioning the transport workers about the overnight stop and the chain of custody for the shipment. Authorities are also examining surveillance footage, delivery documentation, and the foundation’s internal handling procedures.

“The investigation will focus on all possible scenarios, including misplacement, theft, or administrative oversight,” said a spokesperson for the police. “Given the high value of the painting, we are treating this as a serious matter and are following every lead.”

Art theft experts note that small, highly portable artworks like this Picasso can be tempting targets due to their ease of concealment and transport. Unlike larger canvases, a postcard-sized work can be smuggled without attracting attention, making prompt investigation essential.

Foundation Response

The Caja Granada Foundation released a statement acknowledging the disappearance and explaining the logistical challenges surrounding the unpacking process:

“As not all the packaging was properly numbered, it was not possible to conduct a full check without unpacking. The works were under video surveillance at all times, and no incidents were recorded in the exhibition space.”

Curators expressed disappointment at the loss but emphasized that they are working closely with authorities to recover the painting.

Art Theft in Context

While Picasso’s works are widely known and often securely displayed, thefts of smaller, valuable pieces are not uncommon. Experts warn that items with high market value, especially those in transit for exhibitions, are particularly vulnerable. The current disappearance echoes past cases where minor but priceless artworks were stolen during transport or while temporarily housed in gallery spaces.

Insurance experts are also reviewing the case. Although the painting is insured for 600,000 euros, recovering the physical artwork is a priority, as stolen Picasso works rarely resurface on the open market without raising suspicions among collectors and authorities.

Public Reaction and Cultural Impact

News of the missing painting has sent ripples through Spain’s art world. Many enthusiasts and collectors expressed concern on social media about the implications for exhibition security and transport protocols. Some commentators highlighted the irony that a painting so small could generate such major attention, underscoring both Picasso’s enduring fame and the high stakes of international art loans.

For the Caja Granada Foundation, the incident represents a setback in what was otherwise a highly anticipated exhibition. The show, designed to explore the evolution of still-life painting across centuries, now opens amid heightened attention due to the missing Picasso.

Next Steps

Authorities continue to pursue leads and are appealing to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near the lorry or during the stopover at the Hotel Nacimiento. Meanwhile, the foundation is reviewing its procedures for cataloguing and tracking artworks during transit to prevent future incidents.

Experts believe that if the painting is recovered quickly, it could avoid falling into the hands of illicit collectors. The art community remains hopeful that the tiny yet invaluable Picasso will reappear and take its place in the exhibition as planned.

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