Jack Vettriano: “The Singing Butler” (1992), reproduction on canvas

Scottish painter Jack Vettriano is Britain's most popular and sought-after contemporary artist: the rich and famous are on a long waiting list for his latest works, and his collectors include global stars like Jack Nicholson. He received the Order of the British Empire from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, the same honor bestowed upon David Beckham. Vettriano, born in 1951, achieved his breakthrough in 1988 when he exhibited his paintings at the Royal Scottish Academy's annual exhibition. His work sold out on the very first day. In the following years, his painting style matured, and collector interest steadily increased. In 2004, his most famous painting to date, "The Singing Butler," was auctioned for over €1,000,000. His works have been featured in numerous exhibitions across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Vettriano's paintings are simultaneously realistic and dreamlike, reminiscent of scenes from classic films, novels, or personal memories. The artist prefers to depict scenes from the 1920s and 30s, when the economy, technology and society reached an unprecedented peak: a time of legends that was abruptly ended by World War II.