The artist who designed the new Marianne image for French stamps has revealed that he was inspired by topless activist Inna Shevchenko.
The Ukrainian, who belongs to the protest group Femen, was recently granted political asylum in France.
Artist Olivier Ciappa said the original Marianne - traditionally depicted with bare breasts - would certainly have been a member of Femen.
The new stamp was unveiled by President Francois Hollande on Sunday.
Each newly elected French president chooses an image of Marianne - who symbolises the republic - to appear on stamps. Mr Hollande decided that his stamp should represent the values of youth.
bbc.co.uk