LONDON — The art world is mourning the loss of acclaimed Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, whose lifeless body was discovered in his apartment in France, his publicist announced on Monday. The artist, who was 73, passed away on Saturday, and according to British media sources, there are no indications of foul play.
Born as Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, in Fife, Scotland, Vettriano was a self-taught artist who rose to acclaim with his striking and evocative images. Some of his works have become iconic in the realm of contemporary art.
One of his most celebrated pieces, “The Singing Butler,” painted in 1992, portrays an elegantly dressed couple dancing amidst a windswept beach. The painting’s allure lies in its dreamlike quality, with a butler and maid holding umbrellas against the elements, and it quickly became a bestseller across Britain.
In 2005, renowned street artist Banksy drew inspiration from “The Singing Butler” for his own satirical piece, “Crude Oil (Vettriano).” Banksy’s version included elements like a sinking oil liner and figures dragging toxic waste barrels, infusing an environmental critique into the idyllic scene.
Vettriano’s journey into art was unconventional. After leaving school at 15 to work as a mining engineer, he discovered a passion for painting at 21, thanks to a gift of watercolors from a girlfriend. His career gained momentum in 1998 when he showcased two paintings at the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual exhibition, both of which sold on the opening day.
Despite facing criticism from some art critics, Vettriano’s works found a broad audience, bringing him commercial success through exhibitions held in major cities like London, Hong Kong, and New York. His works attracted the attention of notable figures, including actor Jack Nicholson and lyricist Tim Rice, who added his art to their collections.
In a statement, his publicist reflected on Vettriano’s impact, noting, “Jack Vettriano’s passing marks the end of an era for contemporary Scottish art. His evocative and timeless works will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.”
