Crossword Genius

Performers ready to model with painter’s backing (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

artistes

'performers' is the definition.
(artiste is a kind of performer)

'ready to model with painter's backing' is the wordplay.
'ready to' becomes 'set' (synonyms).
'model' becomes 'sit' (e.g. for a painting).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'painter' becomes 'RA' (member of the Royal Academy of Arts).
'backing' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'set'+'sit'+'ra'='setsitra'
'setsitra' back-to-front is 'ARTISTES'.

(Other definitions for artistes that I've seen before include "Professional entertainers, singers or dancers" , "Public performers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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