Artist's models who barely earned a living? (5)
I believe the answer is:
nudes
'artist's models' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nudes that I've seen before include "People without clothes on" , "Naturists" , "page-three features?" , "They're uncovered" , "Unclothed people" .)