Spanish law enforcement officials have retrieved two 100-year-old drawings created by Salvador Dali that were stolen during a break-in in Barcelona last year. The police have also apprehended three brothers, aged 50, 53, and 55, in connection with the theft.
In addition to the Dali drawings, the police have seized various other art pieces, including graphics by Spanish artist Joan Miro, luxury watches, valuable coins, and banknotes.
The two Dali drawings, depicting dark rural landscapes on brown paper, have been verified by the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, which holds the rights to the late painter’s works.
According to the Catalan police, the three brothers specifically targeted homes in Barcelona for their art collections, coins, and antiques.
Two additional individuals were arrested for receiving stolen goods. The three suspected burglars were released on bail and will face trial, while the other two were freed pending their trial.
Along with the two Dali drawings, the police also recovered five Miros (still undergoing authenticity checks), two works by Paco Sola, 55 luxury watches, silver and gold pens, jewelry, and various collections of coins and banknotes from different periods and countries. These items are believed to have been obtained from recent burglaries.
The successful recovery of the stolen artworks and the arrest of the suspects is being hailed as a major victory for the Spanish police and the art world. The stolen Dali drawings hold immense cultural and historical value, and their return relieves art lovers and collectors alike.
The investigation into the theft is ongoing, and the police are working to determine if the suspects are connected to any other art-related crimes. The recovered artworks will be returned to their rightful owners, and the suspects will face charges for their crimes.
The art community is also taking steps to ensure such thefts do not occur again. Art institutions and collectors are urged to take necessary precautions to secure their valuable artworks, such as installing alarms and surveillance systems and properly insuring their collections.
The retrieval of the stolen Dali drawings and the arrest of the suspects is a triumph for the Spanish police and the art world. The cultural and historical significance of these works cannot be overstated, and their return is a testament to the importance of protecting our artistic heritage.
