Auction of Picasso works called off

The sale that was to be on Thursday on the works of Picasso was called off because it was found out that Mr. Le Guennec, the retired electrician, who allegedly was gifted the Picasso works , is also an heir to the late Mr. Bresnu, a driver, who also had Picasso works.

The chauffeur’s collection of Picasso’s works included a number of sketches and minor Picasso works that were also to be featured at the auction until it was found out that Mr. Le Guennec would also profit from the sale of Maurice Bresnu’s works.

The sale was called off because of the surprising family connection, Pierre Blanchet, of auction house, said. Mr. Le Guennec is the cousin of Mr. Bresnu’s late wife and is one of the six heirs who would have profited from the auction.

The police have confiscated 271 pieces electrician Pierre La Guennec claims Picasso gave him and the family of Picasso has filed a legal case against Mr. Le Guennec claiming illegal possession of the paintings. In 1990 some works from chauffeur, Maurice Bresnu, who is well know to art scholars, have already been sold at auction.