Early artworks of the human figure depict the male figure upright and the female in a reclining
position. The early reclining female nudes in sketches and paintings were set in comfortable
surroundings with the subject resting on a sofa or bed.
In this photo essay, David Allio has altered the traditional settings. Instead of
cushioned support, professional nude figure model Catalina Lissett is exposed on a limestone block,
stone hearth, and a variety of hard wooden surfaces. Many of the bare body poses may be traced to
historically significant artworks, but most are a creative extension of those reclining nude
master paintings.
"It is very easy to under-estimate the creative talent and physical skills required from
the model for these reclining nude artworks," Allio said. "Catalina is a shapely and
beautiful woman with exceptional bodyfreedom posing skills. Very few models would even attempt
what she gracefully accomplished in these photographic artworks."
