Art ratings?

[leelastarsky]

A question - particularly for my fellow artists, but I'm interested to hear everybody's opinion.

The ratings that are gernerally ascribed to fanfiction - G through to NC17 - do you think the same standards should apply to art? Or should they be higher because it is a visual medium?

I ask because the picture in my icon - the full version of which you can see here - Passionate Ron/Hermione, was just labelled NC17 in a forum and, I'm sorry, but I would never have classed that pic NC17. Yes, it's suggestive, but that's it. There is no cock to be seen, no sexual act in progress, not even a breast.

Personally, I'd have rated it M (15+), just to be on the safe side. Am I too liberal? I mean, my kids have all seen this, and they range in age from 15 down to just-turned-9. They weren't horrified or traumatised by it. And, to counterpoint, none of them have seen the 'quickie' slash drawing I did for shocolate the other day, because I know that would squick them, and that one I do regard as NC17.

So what's the consensus? Would you rate this painting NC17?

And, out of interest, what would you rate this one while we're at it?

Comments

[netbyrd.livejournal.com]

I am still at the point where I think art shouldn't be rated unless it's blatantly a picture of screwing/act of sex. We don't rate nudes at a museum, but as soon as this stuff goes onine it's like, "OMG... my 12 year old son saw a breast! He will obviously now rape 56456 people!"

I'm not a big fan of our rating system here anyhow. THings blow up, arms get severed off, people punch old ladies in the face-- but that's "cool" and funny. But don't let the kiddies see a boob or other genitalia. The world might end.
Also? Much love again for the breastfeeding picture. Way back when the boobie issue appeared for you, I printed that out and showed it to my la Leache league. They thought you captured it perfectly, especially the grabbing of the other nipple. Ouch.