Henry Scott Tuke, R.A., R.W.S. (1858-1929)

Painted on the spot en plein air on Newporth beach, Falmouth, probably in the summer of 1911, this expressively painted nude study captures the vibrant colours of light reflected from sky, sea and rocks on human skin. Reds, lilacs and blues predominate.

The model is most probably Charlie Mitchell (1885-1957) who had very strong back muscles from working on the rowing boats. This painting could be Back of Charlie (R762) in Tuke's register as it is listed around 1912.

We are grateful to Catherine Wallace for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.