Is James Aitken under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

James Aitken by Alberto Morrocco – Oil Painting, Hand-Painted for You

Text size

In numbers

29frames to choose from
standard sizes, in its own proportions
5weeks to paint and deliver it

About the original

51.0 x 48.0 cm

This Artwork Is Under Copyright Protection

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Alberto Morrocco

1917 - 1998

Quick facts about Alberto Morrocco

Artistic Movement Or Style: Impressionism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Orientalist Painting']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Braque
- Picasso
Date Of Birth: 1917
Date Of Death: 1998
Full Name: Alberto Morrocco OBE FRSA FRSE RSW RP RGI LLD
Nationality: Scottish
Notable Artworks:
- Breakfast
- John Henderson Seaforth Burleigh
- Venetian Views
Place Of Birth: Aberdeen, Scotland

Artist Biography

The Vibrant Legacy of Alberto Morrocco

Alberto Morrocco stands as a pivotal figure in twentieth-century Scottish art, a master whose brush captured the soul of both the rugged Highlands and the sun-drenched streets of Italy. Born in Aberdeen in 1917 to Italian immigrant parents, Domenic Antonio Marrocco and Celesta Crolla, his very identity was a beautiful tapestry of cultures. Interestingly, the name "Morrocco" itself became a permanent part of his legacy due to a whimsical error by a local signwriter at his father's ice cream shop. This blend of Scottish grit and Italian warmth would later manifest in his art, creating a unique aesthetic that bridged the gap between Northern European landscapes and Mediterranean light.

His artistic journey began at Gray’s School of Art under the guidance of Robert Sivell, but it was his travels through France, Italy, and Switzerland that truly ignited his creative spirit. These formative years abroad exposed him to the profound shifts occurring in the modern art world. While his roots remained grounded in the Impressionist traditions of Monet and Renlam, Morrocco possessed an insatiable intellectual curiosity that led him toward the avant-garde. The geometric fragmentation of Braque and the bold, transformative innovations of Picasso became lifelong companions in his creative process, instilling in him a commitment to experimentation and expressive, textured brushwork that defied simple imitation.

A Vision of Scotland and Venice

Morrocco’s oeuvre is perhaps most celebrated for its breathtaking duality. On one hand, he offered an enduring tribute to the Scottish landscape, particularly the dramatic and untamed coastlines of Orkney and Sutherland. In these works, he did not merely record scenery; he captured a palpable sense of atmosphere, using subtle hues and meticulous observation to convey the weight of the mist and the strength of the sea. His portraits, such as the dignified John Henderson Seaforth Burleigh, further demonstrate his ability to imbue subjects with a quiet, historical elegance through a blend of realism and Impressionistic light.

Conversely, his fascination with Venice provided a luminous counterpoint to the Scottish moors. In his Venetian visions, Morrocco sought to translate the city's shimmering light, its grandeur, and its inherent melancholy onto canvas. Whether depicting quiet, sun-drenched interiors in works like Breakfast or capturing the bustling energy of the canals, he utilized a vibrant palette to evoke the spirit of the Italian lagoon. This ability to oscillate between the rugged North and the radiant South allowed him to create a body of work that felt both intimately local and universally evocative.

Professional Mastery and Lasting Impact

Beyond his canvases, Morrocco was a cornerstone of the Scottish art community. His professional life was deeply rooted in Dundee, where he served as the Head of the School of Painting at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. His influence extended into the very fabric of public spaces through his monumental murals for St. Columba's Church in Glenrothes and the Royal Dundee Liff Hospital. Even in his later years, Morrocco remained a prolific force; from 1982 until his death in 1998, he produced some of his most vigorous and energetic works, often committing to massive exhibitions of dozens of new pieces in a single year.

The significance of Alberto Morrocco lies in his ability to synthesize disparate influences into a cohesive, emotive language. His life's work remains a testament to the power of cultural fusion, blending:

Technique: The marriage of Impressionist light with Cubist structure and bold, modern textures.
Subject Matter: A seamless transition between the intimate stillness of still lifes—such as his vibrant Still Life with Lobster and Watermelon—and the expansive majesty of coastal landscapes.
Legacy: A profound contribution to Scottish identity that embraced international modernism without losing its connection to the local soil.

Through his mastery of color and form, Morrocco ensured that the light of both Scotland and Italy would continue to shine through the annals of art history.