NEW YORK (AP) ? A rarely seen portrait of Michael Jackson is on display inside a New York City showroom that sells luxury cars to celebrities.

Owner Marty Abrams says an oil painting titled “The Book” is the only portrait Jackson sat for because he was friends with Australian painter Brett-Livingstone Strong. The painting shows Jackson sitting in Renaissance-era clothes and holding a book. This statement is not entirely true, because Strong did a second portrait of Michael in 1994 at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

The 40-inch-by-50-inch portrait was sold for $2.1 million in 1990. Abrams says he acquired it in 1992 and had it stored.

The painting was unveiled at the Dancy-Power Automotive Group showroom in Harlem on Thursday. Abrams says he chose the showroom because it’s near the Apollo Theater, where the Jackson 5 won Amateur Night in 1967.

The showroom features Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and other pricey cars.

DeVorzon Gallery knows where this rare piece has been hiding and has access to this painting if anyone is interested in purchasing it – a true collectors piece of art.

Contact Barbara DeVorzon or Dustin Rourke at DeVorzon Gallery if anyone is interested 310.888.0111 or info@devorzongallery.com

:: Jul.03.2009 :: Michael Jackson :: No Comments »