2008-05-18 11:10:50 - A portrait of Heath Ledger, painted shortly before he died, has won the people's choice award at Australia's Archibald Prize exhibition.

A portrait of the late Heath Ledger has won an award. The picture, painted by Heath's friend Vincent Fantauzzo, scooped the people's choice award at Australia's Archibald Prize exhibition. The accolade is regarded as one of

the most prestigious in the Australian art world, and over 32,000 people decide who will win. The portrait 'Heath' was painted at the Australian actor's family home in Perth in December - just weeks before his tragic death from an accidental prescription drugs overdose. Vincent refused to sell the painting, and after consulting with Heath's family it will now be donated to the New South Wales Gallery in Sydney. The painting features three images of Heath - a bare-chested representation of the 'Brokeback Mountain' star looking straight ahead, with two other 'Heaths' whispering in his ears. Describing the painting, Vincent said: "I wanted it to be dealing with self, your own consciousness and your thoughts."