Renowned Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, best known for his iconic painting The Singing Butler, has passed away at the age of 73. His publicist confirmed that he was found dead in his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday, with local reports stating there were no suspicious circumstances. Remembered as a deeply private and humble man, Vettriano gained widespread popularity for his evocative paintings depicting themes of romance, mystery, and nostalgia.

Born in 1951 into a coal mining family in Methil, Scotland, Vettriano took up painting in his early twenties and was largely self-taught. His breakthrough came in 1988 when two of his paintings sold at the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, leading to a successful career despite criticism from the art establishment. The Singing Butler fetched a record-breaking £744,800 at auction in 2004, and a reinterpretation by Banksy is expected to sell for up to £5 million this week.

Vettriano’s later work became more overtly erotic, mirroring his own hedonistic lifestyle, which included struggles with drugs and alcohol. Despite his immense commercial success, he often clashed with art critics, believing their disapproval stemmed from jealousy and his lack of formal training. “I am a melancholic romantic,” he once said, describing his paintings as both a celebration of women and a reflection of human desires. His legacy lives on through his captivating and widely admired artwork.

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