Portrait Of Heath Ledger Wins Australian Art Prize

May 9, 2008 12:39 a.m. EST

Perth, Australia (CNS) - A portrait of the late actor Heath Ledger has won the people's choice award at Australia's Archibald Prize Exhibition on Thursday. The portrait was painted at Ledger's Perth family home in December, shortly before Ledger's death.

According to People.com, the Australia's Archibald Prize is considered one of Australia's most prominent art prizes. More than 32,000 people voted in the competition.

The painting, called "Heath," was created by Ledger's friend, Vincent Fantauzzo, shortly before the actor's death.

According to a spokesperson for the Art Gallery of NSW, where the prize was awarded, the Ledger family and the artist will donate the prize-winning piece to the gallery. The painting features three different images of Ledger.

Fantauzzo received a $2,500 and $1,000 gift certificate with his award.