Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- With temperatures hovering above freezing, a dozen models, aged 27 to 61, stripped naked and struck poses in the courtyard of a Paris government building today, calling for greater recognition and more pay.

“It was only because of our motivation that we’re able to ignore the cold,” said Magali Auret, a 27-year-old video-art student who has been a part-time art-class model for seven years. After lasting 10 minutes without shivering, she pulled on a kimono and hobbled over barefoot for a cup of mulled wine.

The 100 or so models -- male and female -- who pose nude for Paris art schools went on strike today, seeking higher pay and an official status for their profession. To press their demands, and to show off their skills, they held a three-hour outdoor session in the courtyard of a 16th-century mansion that houses the Paris municipality’s cultural services.

“We are a symbol of France,” said Jerome Cuveliere, a 35- year-old model, and one of the four males protesting today. “With the economy the way it is, everyone is increasingly exposed as we face 2009.” He shivered as he alternated between his birthday suit and a sheepskin coat.

The strike was sparked by a government order, which took effect at the start of the school year, extending to models a ban on accepting tips in state buildings. It used to be customary for art students to throw a few coins into a cup for the models after each class.

“The tips made up about a quarter of our salary, and in one go, without any discussion, it was taken away,” Cuveliere said.

‘Statues Without Status’

The schools are just applying the law, said Christophe Girard, deputy Paris mayor for cultural affairs.

“It might sound bureaucratic and a bit severe, but there are laws against being paid in cash for work in government buildings,” Girard said in a telephone interview.

The models are paid 10 euros ($13.60) an hour, which after deductions becomes 8.88 euros. Backed by unions Force Ouvriere and CGT, the models also want official recognition of their profession, which would entitle them to sick pay and other benefits.

“We are statues without status,” was one of the slogans they chanted.

“This is not just some pastime,” said a 28-year-old model, who said she just goes by the name Deborah. “We have to hold poses for 45 minutes straight, with conviction and presence.”

Art teachers said they support the protests.

“We were suddenly just told that we couldn’t allow students to pay tips,” said Daniel Fisher, a 50-year-old art teacher at a city sponsored studio. “They don’t make much money and it was a system that didn’t really bother anyone.”

Girard, the deputy mayor, said a pay increase is possible.

“We’ll sit down and work this out,” he said. “A little increase to cover their lost tips wouldn’t be scandalous. Regardless, I salute their courage posing in the nude a few days before Christmas.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Gregory Viscusi in Paris at gviscusi@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 15, 2008 12:03 EST