Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, famous for his paintings of stylish men and women on dreamlike beaches, was found dead in his apartment in France, his publicist confirmed on Monday. He was 73.
British media reported that there were no suspicious circumstances around his death, which occurred on Saturday.
Born Jack Hoggan in Fife, Scotland, on November 17, 1951, Vettriano was a self-taught artist who created some of the most recognizable contemporary paintings in the world.
His 1992 painting “The Singing Butler,” which shows a couple dancing in evening wear on a windy beach while their butler and maid hold umbrellas, became a best-seller in Britain.
In 2005, street artist Banksy created a satirical artwork called “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” inspired by “The Singing Butler.” It added a sinking oil tanker and two people hauling a barrel of toxic waste, making a statement about environmental issues.
Scottish artist Jack VettrianoVettriano dropped out of school at 15 to become a mining engineer, but he began painting after a girlfriend gave him a box of watercolors for his 21st birthday. His breakthrough came in 1998 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, both of which sold on the first day.
Though some critics didn’t appreciate his style, Vettriano found commercial success and held exhibitions in cities like London, Hong Kong, and New York. Well-known figures like actor Jack Nicholson and lyricist Tim Rice collected his artwork.
“Jack Vettriano’s passing marks the end of an era for contemporary Scottish art,” his publicist said. “His evocative and timeless works will continue to inspire future generations.”
