Arnold Schwarzenegger unveils his official portrait

New York: Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger has unveiled his official portrait revealing a photograph-like giant image of the actor in front of the official California seal.

The 67-year-old 'Terminator' actor, who served two terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011, made a rare appearance in Sacramento nearly four years after he left office, reports suggest.

The oversized portrait of a youthful Schwarzenegger, which will eventually hang on the third floor, was painted by Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein, a realist who previously illustrated Andy Warhol and John F Kennedy.

The actor said he never envisioned his portrait hanging in the state Capitol, joking, "I might have envisioned a sculpture on Muscle Beach."

Two of Schwarzenegger's five children attended the unveiling, Christopher, 16, and Patrick, 20, which also included political notables including at least three former speakers of the state Assembly, Willie Brown, Bob Hertzberg and Fabian Nunez.

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom said the massive image of Schwarzenegger is appropriate because he is "larger than life".