Scottish painter Jack Vettriano has died in France aged 73, his publicist has said. 

The body of the painter, born Jack Hogan in Methil, Fife, was found in his flat in Nice on Saturday.

It is understood there are no suspicious circumstances around the artist’s death.

A 2009 self-portait of a melancholic looking Vettriano was today posted on his official Instagram page alongside a message announcing his death. 

Vettriano was behind masterpiece The Singing Butler, which shows a couple dancing on a stormy beach while their butler and maid hold umbrellas over them. 

The artwork became the most expensive painting by a Scottish artist when it was sold at auction for £750,000 in 2004. 

He had lived intermittently on the French Mediterranean coast in Nice since 2010. 

In 2022 he discussed how he started to ‘abuse substances’ after the demise of ‘a very destructive relationship in London‘, saying: ‘It cost me emotionally and financially. Everything got completely out of hand.’

Vettriano left school at 15 to become a mining engineer but took up painting after a girlfriend gave him a box of watercolours for his 21st birthday. 

The self-taught artist drew inspiration from works at Kirkcaldy Galleries, studying paintings from artists such as Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart so intently that he feared arousing the suspicions of gallery staff.

His breakthrough came in 1998 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show and both sold on the first day, inspiring him to become a full-time artist.

His works garnered international acclaim, leading to exhibitions in cities such as Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and New York.

His 1992 painting the The Singing Butler is among his most famed work and shows an elegant couple dancing on a storm-swept beach accompanied by their butler and maid, becoming a best-selling image in Britain.

Among those to have acquired Vettriano paintings are Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tim Rice and Robbie Coltrane.

His publicist said in a statement: ‘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.’

An Instagram post was later published on his official page saying: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of Jack’s passing over the weekend. 

‘He was not only an extraordinary artist but also a deeply private and humble man who was endlessly grateful for the support and admiration of those who loved his work. His paintings — capturing moments of intrigue, romance, and nostalgia —touched the hearts of so many around the world, and his legacy will live on through them. 

‘At this time, we ask for privacy as his loved ones come to terms with this loss. Thank you for all the kind messages and tributes already shared—your support means so much.’

Vettriano revealed three years ago he had suffered problems with cocaine. 

‘I never wanted to try anything else like heroin or ecstasy, because cocaine just hit the spot,’ he said.

‘It arouses your sexual appetite, but unfortunately it doesn’t give you the power to do anything about it.’

He also developed a drink problem after falling into depression when an injury to his shoulder in 2015 left him temporarily unable to paint. 

It was comedian Sir Billy Connolly who attempted to help him, after Vettriano was commissioned to paint his portrait for the comic’s 75th birthday in 2017.

‘We were going upstairs to my studio and I said, “You know you’re in trouble when you start drinking at lunchtime” and he looked at me and said, “Yeah, that’s not what you want to be doing, Jack” and I was touched by that. The thing is I never liked the taste of drink, I liked the effect it had on me.

‘But I was using all these things as an anaesthetic, it was taking away the hurt I was feeling. It was a little hard to get off, but I don’t think I ever had the credentials of an out-and-out alcoholic or junkie.

‘The alcohol and drugs just took the pain away for a while. It took me a while to realise that none of this was going to get me out of it and would only drag me down deeper.’

He was also put on anti-depressants, admitting in a 2021 interview it was because ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen to me’. 

‘That was just the romantic and dramatic side of me coming out. I think many creative people need to be on some kind of edge – it inspires them,’ he said. 

He spoke in 2021 of wanting Scotland to know he is ‘still here’ after having a ‘terrible three years’. 

Vettriano had suffered with insomnia and revealed his desire to have a partner. 

He told the Sunday Post: ‘You don’t have a partner, you’re 69, you’re cut off from your home. I’d like to find a partner. But there’s no hint of that at the moment. I’m not in a hurry to get back into one but as you get older you need a partner. That’s what I would like.’ 

The announcement of Vettriano’s death led to an outpouring of tributes on social media. 

Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar said it was ‘very sad news’.

Writing on X, he said: ‘Jack Vettriano was an iconic Scottish artist. My thoughts are with his family and friends.’

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney was also among those to pay tribute to Vettriano.

He posted on X: ‘I am very sorry to hear the news that Jack Vettriano has died. He made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland in such compelling style. My condolences to his family.’

A reimagining of The Singing Butler by artist Banksy, named Crude Oil (Vettriano) and owned by Blink-182 star Mark Hoppus, is to go to auction in London on Tuesday where it is estimated to fetch between £3million and £5million.