New York, December 7 : A painting commissioned by Michael Jackson resembling Michelangelo''s statue of David has been revealed in a book about the late star’s life.

The 1999 art reportedly depicts the King of Pop striking the same pose as statue of David with rippling abs, bulging pecs and marble-white skin while being surrounded by a bevy of male cherubs.

The oil-on-canvas work "Michael" by artist David Nordahl forms a part of hundreds of private portraits that were drawn to Jackson’s idealised specifications.

"He thought it was great with a little ''tongue-in-cheek'' flavor," the New York Post quoted Nordahl as saying.

The paintings can be seen in "Michael Jackson Opus: The Ultimate Celebration of an Icon," a 250-page tome published by Kraken Opus. (ANI)