Overview: A small Picasso, a costly mystery
A tiny Picasso gouache and pencil work, still life titled Still Life with Guitar (Naturaleza muerta con guitarra), disappeared while being transported from Madrid to Granada for an exhibition opening just last week. Valued at about €600,000, the 1919 work measures 12.7 cm by 9.8 cm and is part of a private collection. The loss has prompted a formal police inquiry and raised questions about the security of loaned artworks during transit and display preparations.
What happened, and when
The CajaGranada foundation planned to display the painting as part of the exhibition Still Life: the Eternity of the Inert, which opened recently. The painting was included in a consignment of loaned works arriving by van from Madrid on Friday, October 3. When the van arrived at the foundation at around 10 a.m., staff unloaded the cargo, and although some items were not correctly numbered and an exhaustive check was not possible, the crew signed off the delivery and left.
By Monday, the works—monitored by video surveillance over the weekend—were unpacked and moved to various parts of the exhibition hall. Mid-morning, the foundation’s curator and head of exhibitions discovered that one piece was missing: Picasso’s Still Life with Guitar. The foundation promptly notified the Policía Nacional and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Investigation and potential leads
Authorities are treating the case as a possible theft in transit or during the early stages of unpacking and installation. Early media reporting suggested the van may have stopped near Granada, with at least two people aboard guarding the sensitive cargo. Investigators will inspect delivery records, surveillance footage, van routes, and staff or contractor movements in the days surrounding the incident. The painting’s private ownership complicates tracing, but loan agreements with donors and lenders typically include rigorous transport and insurance clauses that can aid inquiries.
Why Picasso theft remains a global concern
Picasso’s enduring fame and the high value of his works have long made his art a prime target for thieves. The incident echoes a troubling history of high-profile losses: in 2007, two Picasso canvases worth €50 million were stolen from a Paris residence; other thefts in Paris, the French Riviera, and London highlight the persistent risk to both private and public collections. The allure of such works lies not only in their market value but also in the cultural significance they hold for art lovers and scholars around the world.
Security implications and what comes next
The case highlights the need for heightened security in transit, even when works are temporarily stored or awaiting installation. Experts note that even minor gaps in documentation, numbering, or chain-of-custody can create vulnerabilities. Museums and foundations are expected to review transport protocols, ensure continuous, tamper-evident seals, and maintain redundant verification steps during unpacking and placement. The CajaGranada foundation has stated its willingness to cooperate with investigators and expressed confidence in a prompt resolution.
Implications for future exhibitions
As exhibitions increasingly rely on cross-border loans and shared collections, the art world faces a balancing act between accessibility and security. Institutions may adopt stronger digital logging, improved courier screening, and more transparent insurance processes to reassure lenders and the public. While the incident remains under investigation, it serves as a reminder that even small, delicate works can become headline losses—and that robust logistics are essential to safeguarding cultural heritage.
