Forgotten Picasso Pieces Found Hidden In A Closet For Five Decades

Have you ever cleaned out your closet and found something that you forgot you had? Often, it is just something of sentimental value, but at times, it may also be worth a little money.

In a closet in Maine, a homeowner was given quite a surprise when they found a Pablo Picasso piece of art. They were cleaning out their relative’s closet, when the 16 x 16 paper, inscribed with Picasso’s signature was discovered.

It had been in the closet for 50 years, according to Live Auctioneers.

The piece was put up for auction recently and it brought in $150,000, according to a report in the Boston Globe. There were more than 500 other paintings and sculptures that were from private estates throughout the New England area offered in that auction.

Speaking with ARTFIXdaily, the seller decided that they would remain anonymous but they did mention that their aunt, as well as their grandmother, studied art in the 1920s in Europe. They were collectors of “rare books and art” and it seems as if they were able to get their hands on quite a piece.

The statement continued: “Each [woman] led an interesting life with uncommon travels which was afforded to them through their uncle who owned mills in Maine. This painting was discovered in a house owned by my great aunt which was passed down to her from her uncle in the late 1930s.”

A number of other paintings were also in the closet for 50 years, but the Picasso painting was likely the most valuable. I guess we all have a reason to clean out our closets now.