Picasso Silver Plate Stolen from Art Basel Festival in Miami

A silver plate crafted by Pablo Picasso, valued at $85,000, was stolen in Miami from the Art Basel festival, one of the world's premier art festivals. Amsterdam-based Leslie Smith Gallery owned the Picasso work.

The 1956 work, 'Visage aux mains' is one in a series of 20 silver plates by the famous Spanish artist. The 16.5-inch (40-centimetre) plate features a rudimentary face and hands.

Owner of the Leslie Smith Gallery, David Smith, said, "I've been doing art shows all my life. I've never, ever had anything stolen. The plate was the only item to disappear from the gallery, which is exhibiting a number of even more valuable items, including a Picasso ceramic valued at $365,000".

Police are investigating the theft. A security guard had seen the plate during regular rounds on Thursday night, but when the collector arrived Friday morning, it was gone. The exhibition hall is guarded 24 hours a day, but security cameras are not installed everywhere.

Source: Medindia