Jack Vettriano, the celebrated self-taught Neo-Realist artist known for his romantic and nostalgic artworks, has passed away at the age of 73. He was found deceased in his home in Nice, France, on March 1. Throughout his career, Vettriano became an art market sensation, achieving record-breaking sales, including for his iconic piece 'The Singing Butler'. Despite his popularity, he was often labeled 'unchic' by critics of high-end contemporary art. His work sparked significant debates about accessibility and valuation in the art world, highlighting a divide between mainstream and elite art appreciation.
Speaking on a BBC documentary in 2013, Vettriano said how wounded he had been when one critic accused him of 'painting by numbers'. It was an attitude that he found 'breathtaking'. 'That's not criticism,' he said, 'it's almost violence.'
Vettriano remained resolutely 'unchic' according to critics focused on high-end contemporary art, existing outside the charmed circle of high-art criticism.
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