Michael Jackson saw himself as superhuman – at least that’s how he wanted to appear in portraits.
The King of Pop fancied himself King Arthur, a superhero, an angel and even Michelangelo’s “David,” The New York Post reported. Much of the work can be seen in "Michael Jackson Opus: The Ultimate Celebration of an Icon," a new 250-page art book out this week.
In “Michael,” a painting commissioned in 1999, the late pop star is depicted with milky white skin and sports six pac abs. A handful of male cherubs gaze at up at the figure lovingly. Notably absent from the portrait is Jackson’s signature white glove.
"He thought it was great with a little 'tongue-in-cheek' flavor," artist David Nordah told the Post.
Nordah said he painted hundreds of pieces for Jackson.