London, Apr 21 : Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and one of his female ministers, whom he once said he would like to marry, have been painted nude by an artist.

Two years ago, in an interview to a TV channel, Berlusconi had told Equality Minister Mara Carfagna that he would marry her like a shot if he wasn''t married already.

Infuriated wife Veronica Lario had, subsequently, demanded and obtained an apology.

Now, in the oil painting by artist Filippo Panseca, Berlusconi is depicted with a pair of giant wings extending protectively around his naked minister, while Carfagna, starring stark naked with a pair of enormous, very soft-looking breasts and a ghostly smile, has her eyes directed towards the Prime Minister's (discreetly covered) genitals, reports the Independent.

Speaking to his local newspaper, Secolo XIX, Panseca said he wanted to "pay homage to the Prime Minister" through the pictures.

He said he copied the likeness of Berlusconi from an image on the internet, while he borrowed Carfagna''s body from a 19th century artist.

He added that if Berlusconi bought the paintings he would donate the money to the earthquake victims of Abruzzo. (ANI)