Overview
Peintre de la Marine (, Painter of the Fleet) is a title awarded by the minister of defence in France to artists who have devoted their talents to the sea, the French Navy and other maritime subjects. It was set up in 1830 by the July Monarchy and can be awarded to painters, photographers, illustrators, engravers, and sculptors.
Rights and privileges
The title is unpaid but does grant certain facilities and privileges:
being able to embark on French Navy vessels
wearing a uniform
being allowed to follow one's artistic signature with an anchor
belonging to the Service historique de la Marine.
The peintres agréés are named for a 3-year term by a jury of naval officers and peintres titulaires and presided over by a general officer of the Navy. To become a peintre titulaire, one has to serve as a peintre agréé for more than 4 consecutive terms (12 years).
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).