Mr. Le Guennec, who served as Picasso's electrician between 1970 and 1973, had been storing the pieces in his garage, but recently brought them to the Picasso estate to have them authenticated. The collection dates back to a period between 1900 and 1930, and features portraits, watercolors, sketches and collages.

The Picasso family is dubious, and believe that the works may have been stolen.

"It was madame who gave them to me, because he was pleased with my service," Mr. Le Guennec told Europe 1 radio.