Steve Hanks 045 Steve Hanks

The composition presents a female figure viewed from behind, occupying nearly the entirety of the vertical canvas. The subject is nude, her back and buttocks prominently displayed. A cascade of auburn curls spills down from her neck and shoulders, providing a textural contrast to the smooth planes of her skin. She appears to be seated upon a loosely draped fabric – possibly linen or cotton – which pools around her lower body and extends downwards, creating a visual anchor for the figure.
The artist has employed a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones: ochres, browns, and soft greens form the backdrop, suggesting an interior space with aged walls. Light falls upon the subject from an unseen source, highlighting the contours of her back and buttocks while casting subtle shadows that define their shape. The rendering is highly realistic; attention to detail in depicting musculature, skin texture, and the way light interacts with surfaces is evident.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of the human form, the painting evokes themes of introspection and vulnerability. The figure’s averted gaze directs the viewers focus onto her physical presence, yet simultaneously creates a sense of distance and privacy. This positioning suggests an internal contemplation or a deliberate withdrawal from external observation. The simplicity of the setting – the bare walls and draped fabric – further emphasizes this feeling of solitude and self-reflection.
The choice to portray the subject in this manner – a nude female figure seen from behind – can be interpreted as a commentary on societal perceptions of beauty, femininity, and the gaze itself. By denying the viewer direct eye contact, the artist challenges conventional notions of objectification and invites a more nuanced consideration of the subjects inner world. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and understated sensuality, prompting contemplation rather than overt display.