The granddaughter of legendary Hollywood actor Steve McQueen has filed a $68 million lawsuit against art dealers and collectors, claiming they have possession of a valuable Jackson Pollock painting that rightfully belongs to her family. The legal action centers around a disputed abstract expressionist work that has been missing from the McQueen estate for decades.
The lawsuit alleges that the Jackson Pollock painting, which dates back to the artist's most productive period in the 1940s and 1950s, was originally owned by Steve McQueen and should have been passed down through his estate after his death in 1980. McQueen, who starred in iconic films such as "Bullitt," "The Great Escape," and "The Magnificent Seven," was known to be an avid collector of art and motorcycles throughout his career.
According to court documents, the granddaughter claims that the painting disappeared from the family's possession under suspicious circumstances and has since surfaced in the hands of various art dealers and private collectors. The legal team representing the McQueen family argues that the current holders of the artwork obtained it through improper means and are now attempting to profit from its sale.
The disputed Pollock painting is described as one of the artist's significant works from his drip painting period, when he created some of his most famous and valuable pieces. Jackson Pollock, who died in 1956, is considered one of the most important figures in the abstract expressionist movement, and his paintings regularly sell for tens of millions of dollars at auction houses worldwide.
Art authentication experts and legal specialists note that disputes over valuable artworks are becoming increasingly common as prices continue to soar in the global art market. The case highlights the complex issues surrounding provenance, ownership, and the proper documentation of high-value artistic works, particularly when they involve celebrity estates and decades-old transactions.
The defendants named in the lawsuit have not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and their legal representatives have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. The case is expected to involve extensive art historical research, expert testimony from Pollock scholars, and detailed examination of the painting's chain of ownership over the past several decades.
If successful, the lawsuit could result in the return of the painting to the McQueen estate or a substantial monetary settlement. The $68 million valuation reflects the current market value for major Jackson Pollock works, which have seen dramatic price increases in recent years as collectors compete for pieces by the renowned American artist.
