Sean Connery’s Early Nudes Keep It Classy

In today's era where celebrity nude shots are smutty sex tapes or leaked Twitpics, we can count on the first James Bond to keep his nude portraits of the highest artistic quality. An oil painting of a 21-year-old Sean Connery's plump rump is being exhibited in Scotland later this year. We give his Double O's much more than a 7.

The painting was discovered last year after its artist, Rab Webster, died at age 83. In 1951, Webster painted a nearly nude model while a student at Edinburgh College. A decade later, that model/competitive body builder would gain international acclaim as Bond, James Bond, in the famous series' first five films, and inspire straight men across America to mimic his accent with schoolboyish glee.

Nick Bihel, the husband of the painter's niece Heather, recalls what Webster used to say about Sir Sean's short-lived nude posing career: "He said Connery treated it just as a job and that he didn't say very much." How so very gay-for-pay.

It's not the first time a nude from Connery's modeling days has found the spotlight. In 2007, the painting on the left went on exhibit, painted by Al Fairweather, also a student at Edinburgh College of Art in 1952. He looks more slender here, which we'll chalk up to artistic license. The face, however, is definitely that of the British spy.

By way of comparison, here's Connery back in his physical prime during his years as a competitive bodybuilder. We would be impressed by the abs, but our eyes have popped at that bulge! 'Tis the package that has served as the muse for art students across Edinburgh.

If you happen to find yourself in Selkirk, Scotland, swing by the Halliwell's House Museum & Robson Gallery where the rear shot above is on display until August 14.

· Sir Sean Connery nude on public display for first time (bbc.co.uk)
· Before he was Bond: Semi-nude portrait of Sean Connery reveals his early promise (dailymail.co.uk)