Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, has a missing Pablo Picasso painting at her home.
The famous painter’s artwork was visible in images of presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s visit to his mother, according to social media users.
Former Presidential Commission on Good Governance chairman Andy Bautista estimated that the painting could fetch up to eight billion pesos if sold.
It’s unknown whether the painting is genuine or a copy.
Picasso painting: Genuine or Copy?
According to the New York Post, the painting was one of roughly 160 pieces of art that the Marcos family allegedly acquired illegally during their more than 20-year reign. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) was established to investigate and recover the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth.
According to The Guardian, Ruben Carranza, a former commissioner of the PCGG, it is unclear whether the painting is authentic because Mrs. Marcos has a history of buying and lending fake works for display.
The government was believed to have taken the Picasso in 2014. However, another former PCGG commissioner, Andres Bautista, stated that the abstract painting featured in the 2019 Marcos family documentary, ‘The Kingmaker,’ before it went missing during the task force’s search. Mr. Bautista said that the painting, along with other rare artifacts and artworks in her collection, was visible in the documentary.
The abstract painting likewise depicts a woman lounging on a couch with a hand on her forehand.
As per The Guardian, the painting’s surprise arrival has heightened suspicions. The family may use its newfound influence to obstruct efforts to collect the illegal gains. It’s also worth noting that throughout Ferdinand Marcos’ reign, the dictator committed shocking human rights violations. It includes the imprisonment, torture, and murder of his opponent, and the seizing of almost $10 billion in illegal gains.
Marcos Jr, on the other hand, has either downplayed or denied the country’s abuses when his father was in power. As president, he would be able to appoint the PCGG commissioners. Thereby, giving him enormous authority over the organization tasked with recovering the family’s wealth.