Former aide: Schwarzenegger portrait originally featured Shriver's image, now a blue splotch
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger poses with his official portrait after it was unveiled at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The photograph-like giant image of the former governor was done by Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein and will hang on the third floor of the Capitol. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)
An endearing gesture by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to include an image of his wife Maria Shriver in his official portrait has been erased with a splotch of blue paint.
Former Schwarzenegger aide Clay Russell confirmed Friday that the portrait of the former governor once featured a lapel button showing the face of his estranged wife.
The realist-style painting by Austrian Gottfried Helnwein was finished during Schwarzenegger's first term then sat on an easel in Schwarzenegger's Oak Productions office in Santa Monica.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After Schwarzenegger left office, embarrassing revelations emerged about an affair he had with his maid that produced a son. Schwarzenegger and Shriver are now separated.
It was not clear when the button was painted over or who did it.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Adam Mendelsohn did not immediately respond to a telephone message left Friday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The painting was unveiled on Monday.