Authorities in Portugal announced Friday they have confiscated a massive collection of 278 artworks from a former domestic worker who may have been attempting to sell pieces that didn’t belong to him.
The collection, which investigators say includes potential works by renowned artists Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, was discovered in the possession of a man who previously worked as a butler for an American citizen living in Penalva do Castelo. The artwork’s original owner passed away in 2024.
Investigators have not yet verified whether the pieces are authentic, according to authorities. The former employee is currently being questioned by police in connection with suspected attempts to sell portions of the valuable collection.
Law enforcement conducted their investigation through what they dubbed “Operation Butler,” working alongside art experts from the National Museum Machado de Castro to properly handle and assess the seized items.
The remarkable collection spans multiple centuries and artistic movements, featuring works attributed to 27 different creators. Among them are pieces believed to be by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, Spanish masters Picasso and Miró, and contemporary British artist David Hockney. The haul also contains various sculptures and cultural artifacts.
Police have launched a formal investigation into the matter but have not released additional information regarding potential criminal charges at this time.
