Renowned Scottish painter Jack Vettriano has died at the age of 73, his publicist announced. Vettriano was found dead at his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with no suspicious circumstances reported surrounding his death.
Born Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, in Methil, Fife, Vettriano left school at the young age of 15 to start working as a mining engineer. His artistic career began unexpectedly when a girlfriend gifted him a box of watercolors for his 21st birthday. This gesture sparked his passion for painting, prompting him to explore art more seriously.
Vettriano was mostly self-taught and often drew inspiration from the works displayed at Kirkcaldy Galleries. He spent significant time studying the paintings of renowned Scottish artists, such as Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart. He was reportedly so absorbed by their works, fearing to attract the attention of gallery staff, he would study them closely and replicate their techniques.
His breakthrough came in 1998 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual exhibition, both of which sold on the very first day. This success motivated him to pursue art full-time, eventually leading to international acclaim.
Vettriano's most famous work, the 1992 painting "The Singing Butler," depicts an elegant couple dancing on a storm-swept beach, accompanied by their butler and maid. This piece not only became best-selling imagery across Britain, but it also fetched £744,800 at auction back in 2004, setting records for Scottish paintings.
His talent and unique vision earned him exhibitions worldwide—showcasing his work in cities such as Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York. Vettriano’s art, characterized by its dreamlike quality and portrayal of idyllic scenes, captivated audiences and collectors alike, including actors and musicians like Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tim Rice, and the late Robbie Coltrane.
Following the news of his passing, his publicist stated, “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.” This sentiment was echoed by Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney. Swinney expressed his condolences on social media, remarking, “I am very sorry to hear... and I want to express my deepest condolences to his family. From humble beginnings as a self-taught artist from Methil, Jack made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland.”
He added, “Jack was also a philanthropist for a number of important causes, and I know his loss will be sorely felt by many across Scotland and the world.” This loss resonates with many who appreciated his contributions to the arts, and the unique cultural representation he brought to contemporary Scottish painting.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also took to social media to share his thoughts, stating, “Very sad news. Jack Vettriano was an iconic Scottish artist. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Jack Vettriano's extraordinary legacy as one of Scotland's best-loved artists is marked by his evocative paintings and his ability to connect with viewers through his work. He is remembered not only for his commercial success but also for his influence on generations of artists and art lovers. His contributions to art during his lifetime have set high standards and will be cherished indefinitely.