CAN models who pose naked for artists claim to be civil servants? The French government is pondering that tricky question as those who strip to be sketched or sculpted in state institutions push for official recognition.
From Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who found his muses in brothels, to Pierre Bonnard, who painted his wife in her bath, French artists are famed for their fixations on models; at least three of the 19th century’s most famous married them.
These days, though, professional models feel underappreciated. Hundreds who are employed by state-run institutions, including the Beaux-Arts, the prestigious Paris art school, have launched a campaign for better working conditions. In short, they want the same perks as civil servants.
One of the rebellion’s co-ordinators, Patrick Bellaiche, said: “When we speak about our problems people look at us in surprise; there are dubious allusions to nudity and surprise at our presence in education. People don’t understand what we do.”
Besides stripping off in a classroom full of strangers, models have to hold sometimes difficult poses for up to 45 minutes without moving. Strained muscles are an occupational hazard.
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Last week, it was announced a “census” will be conducted to determine how many nude models were effectively employed by the government. They could end up qualifying for civil service pensions.