Picasso Etching Stolen; Museum Offers Reward

A Hollywood museum specializing in erotic art made a public plea Friday for help in finding a Picasso etching stolen earlier this week.

The 4- by 5-inch “Block 1664” was taken from a first floor gallery at the Erotic Museum, which features exhibits on the history of human sexuality.

“We feel violated,” said Mark Volper, the chief financial officer of the museum. “It’s very personal and emotional.”

The etching, which Volper described as “very erotic,” was part of a series of works done in the 1970s, during the final years of the artist’s life. Museum officials said it illustrates the 15th century tale of La Celestina, a story of “wanton encounters and orgies.”

Security cameras show the suspected thief entering the museum about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday. After chatting with museum personnel, he loitered in a second floor gallery for about 20 minutes before returning downstairs before 7 p.m.

The thief then is seen tucking the artwork beneath a large black overcoat and hurrying down a corridor to an unlocked back door.

The theft was discovered the next morning. After viewing the tape, Volper said the theft appeared premeditated.

“His face was always at an angle,” Volper said.

“When he faced the camera on the Picasso, he put his head down. He seemed to know where the cameras were.”

The case is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s art theft detail, and museum officials are hoping investigators can enhance the security video to show a clear picture of the suspect.

Volper declined to give the value of the work, which was part of the museum’s permanent collection. He said the museum is offering a reward of several thousand dollars for its safe return.