Jack Vettriano Self-Portrait to Commemorate First Death Anniversary in Edinburgh Exhibition
A poignant self-portrait by the celebrated Scottish artist Jack Vettriano is set to go on public display in Edinburgh, precisely on the first anniversary of his passing. The artwork, titled Portrait Of The Artist, will be showcased at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait gallery, commencing on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This exhibition marks a significant tribute to Vettriano, who was found deceased in his Nice, France, apartment on March 1 of the previous year at the age of 73.
Long-Term Loan and Exhibition Details
The display is part of an ambitious six-year loan arrangement from Vettriano's estate, featuring two consecutive self-portraits. Portrait Of The Artist will remain on view until early 2029, after which it will be replaced by another work, Homage To Fontana?. This strategic rotation ensures a sustained public engagement with Vettriano's legacy over an extended period.
Imogen Gibbon, the head of portraiture and photography and chief curator at National Galleries Scotland, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. "We're thrilled to welcome visitors to see Portrait Of The Artist by Jack Vettriano," she stated. "It feels particularly significant to showcase a self-portrait on the anniversary of his death, celebrating his immense contribution to Scottish culture. These works will join our Modern Portrait display, highlighting contemporary Scots who have made global impacts." Gibbon extended gratitude to the artist's estate for proposing and supporting this exhibition concept.
Artistic Significance and Background
Created in 1993, Portrait Of The Artist is an early self-portrait by Vettriano, painted just one year after his iconic piece, The Singing Butler. Carolyn Osborne, director of Jack Vettriano Publishing Limited, noted the fitting nature of the display, saying, "Jack was known as the People's Painter, and it's entirely appropriate that the public can view his work in a beautiful setting near where it was originally painted."
Vettriano's journey to artistic acclaim was unconventional. Hailing from Fife, he left school at 15 to work as a mining engineer but discovered painting after receiving a box of watercolours for his 21st birthday. He honed his skills by studying Old Masters, Impressionists, and Scottish artists, often drawing inspiration from visits to Kirkcaldy Galleries. His breakthrough came in 1988 when two submissions to the Royal Scottish Academy's annual exhibition sold on the first day, catapulting him to international success in the 1990s.
Future Exhibition and Artistic References
The subsequent work, Homage To Fontana?, painted in 1999, references Argentine-Italian artist Lucio Fontana. Experts explain that the title and slashes in the canvas echo Fontana's innovative slashed canvases from the 1950s and 60s, which blurred the lines between two and three dimensions to evoke "an infinite dimension." This connection underscores Vettriano's engagement with broader art historical movements.
This exhibition not only honors Vettriano's memory but also provides art enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to explore his evolving self-representation and artistic influences over time.
