Semi-nude Connery portrait on display

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A semi-nude portrait of a young Sean Connery is on display at the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh, The Times of London reported Thursday.

The painting by Al Fairweather reveals a well-built man in his 20s with a towel draped across his lower body.

Connery was hired to pose for students in art classes after he had returned to Edinburgh following a three-year stint in the Royal Navy.

The Fairweather painting is on display as part of an exhibition to mark the centenary of Edinburgh College of Art, which includes important works by acclaimed artists like Alan Davie, Eduardo Paolozzi and John Bellany, The Times said.

Shortly after the picture was painted, Connery, now 77, moved to London to pursue an acting career.