When painting has its back turned: the suggestive power of the neck is exposed at the Franciscans of Deauville

The Normandy museum, located in a former convent, is focusing on the representation of “Back Views” models. Artists like Watteau, Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec, Rodin, and Dufy are featured to explore this rarely highlighted territory.

If you enjoy looking at models face to face in paintings, turn away. This exhibition is not for you. Instead, if you appreciate the seduction power of the nape and the sensuality of the lower back, you’re in for a treat. Until May 31, the Franciscaines de Deauville museum showcases the “Back Views. A Figure without a Portrait” exhibition. About a hundred artworks, mainly paintings, photographs, and one sculpture by Auguste Rodin titled “La Terre,” are on display.

Annie Madet-Vache leads this artistic exploration venue housed in a 19th-century former convent, which has already welcomed nearly a million visitors since opening in 2021. As the exhibition’s curator, she mentions that the representation of a figure seen from the back has never been studied in such depth before. The exhibition is arranged chronologically, ranging from the Middle Ages to modern times, with additional thematic elements like mythological figures, academic studies of the back, and the use of mirrors.

Prior to the 15th century, paintings focusing on the back as the main subject were virtually non-existent but emerged during the Renaissance and Mannerism. Various artworks featuring the backs of individuals, like the painting “Le concert” dating back to the late 16th century, offer unique perspectives on this artistic choice. The exhibition also explores the use of mirrors in interior scenes to provide a dual perspective of the model.

Throughout the 19th century, new subjects emerged, including depictions of workers and the lower class, showcasing the toil and physical exertion of labor through their back views. The exhibition also features modern and contemporary interpretations inspired by iconic art pieces, offering a fresh perspective on the representation of backs in art. The exhibition also features an intriguing dual-sided painting titled “Ecce Homo” from the 17th century that depicts a Christ figure from both the front and back views.

The extensive exhibition, titled “Back Views. A Figure without a Portrait,” runs from February 28 to May 31, 2026, at the Franciscaines de Deauville, open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Ticket prices range from 5 to 13 euros, with discounts for subscribers and young visitors.