art model

An art model is a person who poses, often nude, for visual artists as part of the creative process, providing a reference for the human body in a work of art. The importance of the human figure in Western art begins with the Ancient Greeks, which was rediscovered in the Renaissance, art modelling then becoming an occupation. With few exceptions, models remained anonymous until the 19th century. Modern nude models have most often been employees of art schools, and paid by the hour to pose. As an occupation, modeling requires the often strenuous 'physical work' of holding poses for the required length of time, the 'aesthetic work' of performing a variety of interesting poses, and the 'emotional work' of maintaining a socially ambiguous role. While the role of nude models is well-established ...