Brooding Image Captures Hearts

The "worst kept secret", the People's Choice winner of the prestigious Archibald Prize, has finally been announced. The haunting portrait, simply entitled ‘Heath’ was painted by Ledger’s friend, Vincent Fantauzzo, just weeks before the star’s death.

AGNSW Trust vice president Sandra McPhee has announced the "worst kept secret", the people's choice Archibald Prize winner, Vincent Fantauzzo's portrait of Heath Ledger. Although there was never any other serious candidate, Heath's father Kim's words rang true: "The painting was about Vincent and his wonderful work and that's the way Heath wanted it." More than 32,000 people voted.

Fantauzzo said he and Heath had been planning to do the portrait for a few years but it was only in December 2007 that the talented actor had time to sit for it. After a long and serious discussion at Heath's home in Perth, Fantauzzo told him: "I want it to be dealing with self, your own consciousness and your thoughts." The painting is testament to this as we look into the sad and tired eyes of a troubled man. Fantauzzo thanked the Ledger family for their support and claimed $2,500 and a $1,000 Myer gift card.

The NSWAG has been the ultimate winner: the painting, originally completed for Heath's mother Sally, was generously donated to the gallery. The Archibald Prize exhibition is also growing rapidly in popularity. This year has had record attendance of more than 130,000 with 10 days remaining, surpassing 2005's 129,000 on closing day. According to an art gallery spokesperson, the Archibald alone funds the rest of the art institution's exhibition program for the whole year. Fantauzzo had the last word on why this is the case. "The Archibald brings in the general public who can come to the exhibition to get something they relate to."

Emma McGowan