Hundreds of unknown Picasso works discovered in Paris‎

29.11.2010
Trove of unknown Picasso works shocks heirs

Previously unknown works by Pablo Picasso, worth some 60 million euros, have turned up in southern France. Picasso heirs have filed a complaint alleging the works were stolen.

An immense collection of 271 previously unknown works by Pablo Picasso has turned up in southern France, uncovered by a 71-year old retired electrician and his wife.

The couple claims they received the works as gifts from Picasso or Picasso's wife. But Picasso's heirs have filed a complaint alleging the receipt of stolen goods, according to a report in Monday's French newspaper Liberation.

The works have a combined estimated worth of some 60 million euros (about $80 million). Jean-Jaques Neuer, a lawyer for the Picasso estate, said the couple showed many of the works to Picasso's son Claude and other administrators in September in order to have the canvases authenticated.

Claude Picasso and his employees examined the paintings in Paris for more than three hours, and said the works seem to be authentic. "I was very surprised. I was very excited to discover works we didn't know about," said Picasso.

He added that he was confused that the paintings were without dates, adding that they shouldn't have left Picasso's studio. "Those who know my father's work know that he would systematically put a date on everything," he said.

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