Male nude, from behind, reclining

This study shows the same figure in a similar pose as another oil study, of similar format (18 7/8 x 23 5/8 in.) by John Constable (see G. Reynolds, The Early Paintings and Drawings of John Constable, 1996, I, p. 124, no. 08.35, II, pl. 717, and colour pl. VIII). There are some differences between the two, most notably in the treatment of the backgrounds, and the pose of the model, which varies slightly between the two, and in the angle from which the model is seen. It seems likely that the two studies were made at the same life session at the Academy, from slighly different positions in the room.