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.