The official gubernatorial portrait of former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is displayed in the Rotunda of the State Capitol following an unveiling ceremony Monday in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) official gubernatorial portrait was unveiled Monday at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
The portrait was painted by Austrian-Irish artist Gottfried Helnwein. Helnwein is known for his stark and dramatic work, including a series on children in war, a watercolor of Adolf Hitler and some rather grotesque self-portraits. He also worked with Marilyn Manson for the singer’s 2003 Grotesk Burlesk Tour.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger poses next to his gubernatorial portrait. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The piece was described as a “neo-realist, monochromatic study of the former governor” by Barbara Gasser, an Austrian reporter and member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who spoke with Helnwein.
“Arnold is one of the most remarkable men of our times,” Helnwein said in a statement. “He is larger than life, he is a myth, and he has already lived several lives that became legend … I was excited an honored when he asked me to paint his official portrait. It was quite a challenge, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”
California Gov. Jerry Brown (center) walks former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to the unveiling of Schwarzenegger ‘s official portrait. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The piece was described as a “neo-realist, monochromatic study of the former governor” by Barbara Gasser, an Austrian reporter and member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who spoke with Helnwein.
“Arnold is one of the most remarkable men of our times,” Helnwein said in a statement. “He is larger than life, he is a myth, and he has already lived several lives that became legend … I was excited an honored when he asked me to paint his official portrait. It was quite a challenge, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”
Gubernatorial portraits are usually paid for by the taxpayer, but Schwarzenegger paid for his own, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Chris Megerian. Schwarzenegger’s will be displayed on the third floor of the Capitol, next to the one of former governor Gray Davis, the Democrat he replaced in 2003 after the state’s recall election.
Also, a reminder: This is current Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D) official portrait from the first time the Democrat was California governor, from 1975-1983:
California Gov. Jerry Brown’s official gubernatorial portrait (via Facebook)
Brown said Monday during the unveiling for Schwarzenegger’s portrait that his father, former California governor Pat Brown (D), told his son after his portrait was unveiled that he’d never be elected to another office again.
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