A Picasso masterpiece valued at €600,000 has gone missing during a transfer to the exhibition from Madrid to Granada

A rare Pablo Picasso painting valued at €600,000 has gone missing in transit from Madrid to Granada, just before it was set to go on display in a new exhibition.

The Spanish police are investigating the case PHOTO: Archive, The Truth

Spanish police have opened an investigation after a Pablo Picasso painting went missing during its transfer from Madrid to Granada on October 2nd, where it was to be exhibited, police sources said on Thursday (October 16th), reports Le figaro.

According to local media in Granada, southern Spain, the painting ” Still life with guitar” made by Picasso in 1919 was to be exhibited at the Caja Granada Foundation starting last week. The oil painting on canvas is estimated at a value of approximately 600,000 euros.

Drawing Still Life with Guitar, early 1919 by Picasso FOTP: Artnet

100 Picasso paintings stolen in 1976

All the works exhibited in the Andalusian city come from private collections, according to a press release from the organizers. The inestimable value of Picasso's works makes them prime targets for thieves.

In 1976, more than 100 paintings by the Spanish artist were stolen in Avignon, in southeastern France. However, all sails were eventually recovered.

Pablo Picasso, born in 1881 in Malaga, in southern Spain, and died in 1973 in Mougins, in southeastern France, is considered one of the greatest painters in history