Jack Vettriano, a self-taught Scottish painter, has died at the age of 73. His publicist confirmed that Vettriano was found dead at his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Vettriano was born Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, in Methil, Fife. He left school at 15 to become a mining engineer before transitioning to personnel management. On his 21st birthday, he received a set of watercolour paints, sparking his passion for painting.
His breakthrough came in 1989 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, both of which sold on the first day. This success inspired him to become a full-time artist, leading to international acclaim and exhibitions in cities such as London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York.
Vettriano’s unique artistic journey
Despite his popularity, Vettriano often faced criticism, with some art critics describing his work as “brainless erotica” and “mere wallpaper.” In response, Vettriano stated in an interview with the Radio Times, “They don’t like an artist who is as popular as me because it takes away part of their authority. If they want to ignore me, let them. I have what I want, and that is the support of the public.”
Vettriano’s best-known painting, “The Singing Butler,” depicts an elegant couple dancing on a storm-swept beach accompanied by their butler and maid.
It sold at auction in 2004 for £744,800, setting a Scottish record at the time. Reproductions of the painting were the best-selling art print in the UK. A reimagined version of “The Singing Butler” by Banksy, titled “Crude Oil (Vettriano),” is owned by Blink-182 star Mark Hoppus and is expected to fetch between £3 million and £5 million at auction in London on Tuesday.
Among those who own Vettriano’s works are Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tim Rice, and Robbie Coltrane. Vettriano was open about his struggles with mental health and his dependence on alcohol and drugs. First Minister John Swinney paid tribute, saying, “He made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland in such a compelling style.”