Gift or theft? Picasso trial begins

GRASSE, France Would Pablo Picasso have donated 271 works to an electrician who worked for him for a few years in southeast France?

A French court began to contemplate that question on Tuesday at the start of a three-day trial of Pierre Le Guennec and his wife, Danielle.

They claim that the artist, or his wife, gave them 180 lithographs, collages and paintings and 91 sketchbook drawings about 1970 when Le Guennec began working as a general handyman for Picasso.

Heirs of Picasso and a state prosecutor describe the couple's account as ridiculous. They argue that the master had a habit of autographing and signing works that he gave away and had never given away such a huge trove. One Picasso family lawyer puts the estimated worth at as much as $113 million.

Le Guennec kept the works in a garage for decades. Produced between 1900 and 1932, they have never been displayed publicly. If convicted, the Le Guennecs could face up to five years in prison.

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Gift or theft? Picasso trial begins