A nude model drew a crowd of more than 200 spectators in SW. China's Chongqing Municipality on June 18, reported the Chongqing Business Post.

A nude model drew a crowd of more than 200 spectators in SW. China's Chongqing Municipality on June 18, 2006. [Chongqing Business Post]

The Picasso International Art Center organized the event to demystify the human body and encourage artistic appreciation of the naked form.

Hired model Xiao Yu (not her real name) disrobed and struck poses before the crowd, some just peacefully contemplating her and some sketching attentively on paper.

Xiao expressed her gratitude to all present and commented on the lack of uproar or excitement. "I wondered beforehand how the audience, most amateur artists, would react," she said.

The painting session concluded after half an hour and ardent applause accompanied Xiao Yu backstage.