French police discover Picasso painting during drug raid
During a search related to an investigation into drug trafficking in Champigny-sur-Marne, French police seized an authentic painting by Pablo Picasso, along with drugs, luxury clothing and thousands of euros in cash.
French police discover Picasso painting during drug raid
A search conducted as part of an investigation into drug trafficking has enabled French law enforcement to seize an authentic work by painter Pablo Picasso. This was announced by the Créteil prosecutor's office, located south-east of Paris, in a statement relayed by Norwegian media VG.
The operation was carried out on Monday by investigators in Champigny-sur-Marne, a commune located to the east of the French capital. In addition to the painting attributed to the celebrated Spanish artist, police also seized cannabis resin, luxury items and several thousand euros in cash, according to information published by the newspaper Le Parisien.
The matter is currently under investigation for theft and receiving stolen goods. On Friday, four individuals were brought before the courts. The precise identity of the recovered work has not been disclosed, but the prosecutor's office has confirmed its authenticity.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881-1973), born in Malaga in Spain, is considered one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Co-founder of cubism, he revolutionised artistic expression through painting, sculpture, engraving and ceramics. Over his seven decades of career and through several stylistic periods, he produced more than 20,000 works.
His most expensive painting sold at auction remains the final version of Women of Algiers, created in 1955. This painting was sold at auction in May 2015 for nearly 180 million dollars, establishing at the time a record for a work of art sold at auction.
Source: Google News DK — Crime (da)