Melbourne artist releases final portrait of Heath Ledger

Melbourne, Jan 25 : Days after the demise of Australian actor Heath Ledger, a Melbourne artist has released never-before-seen portrait of the Oscar nominee.

Docklands-based Vincent Fantauzzo's painting shows the actor as three separate images.

The central image is looking straight ahead and the other two whispering into the ears of the central figure's ears. antauzzo created Ledger's portrait with the aim of entering it in the prestigious Archibald Prize, Australia's premier portraiture competition.

Fantauzzo, who released the image with the consent of the actor's family and friends, said that he felt privileged to have worked with Ledger.

"Heath was an inspiring and remarkable friend, son, and father," The Age quoted Fantauzzo, as saying.

"Heath was a very private person, which is one of the reasons I was so honoured that he allowed me to paint him, he added. Fantauzzo described Ledger as a 'professional,' who did not require any directions to pose for the portrait.

"He was so easy, and professional to work with. He didn't need any direction, absolutely focused. Once done, he was back to his usual charismatic self," he added.

Ledger, who sat for Fantauzzo on his last visit to his home in December, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment.

ANI