James Stunt, the former son-in-law of Formula 1 magnate Bernie Ecclestone, has been unsuccessful in a legal dispute over a £4 million painting by the esteemed artist Anthony Van Dyck, after the High Court declared that he is the rightful owner of the artwork, thereby making it part of his bankruptcy estate. The court dismissed claims that Stunt’s father was the actual purchaser of the 17th-century portrait titled The Cheeke Sisters, which was bought for £600,000 in 2013.

The High Court’s ruling came after Judge Clive Jones scrutinized the evidence, noting that there was no documentation or indication that Stunt’s father took possession or showed significant interest in the painting. It was found that the payment for the painting made by Geoffrey Stunt’s cheque and James Stunt’s access to his father’s credit card did not substantiate Geoffrey’s ownership claim.

This dispute reached its conclusion within the context of James Stunt’s bankruptcy proceedings, which began in 2019, two years after his divorce from Petra Ecclestone. The Cheeke Sisters is recognized for being part of a rare collection of double portraits by Van Dyck, dating back to 1640, and has been valued at up to £4 million.

The ruling underscores the conclusion of a legal battle that delved into the complexities of art ownership and bankruptcy, with the court ultimately determining that the painting should be considered an asset in James Stunt’s bankruptcy estate, dismissing any claims made by his father regarding ownership.