Giancarlo Stanton is wearing body paint on this month's Sports Illustrated cover

Baseball and art have a long history together, from the classic illustrations by Norman Rockwell to the Rockies Mohawk guy. And, you know, human canvas Giancarlo Stanton. Because why wear a shirt when you can have one painted onto you?

The Marlins slugger made "Sports Illustrated" history on Wednesday when he became not just the first athlete, but the first model to appear on the cover of the mag in body paint. 

It took nearly 12 hours to perfect his "uniform," but don't worry -- he got a nap in: 

And soon he was ready for his close up:

It's not often you get to be on the cover of @SInow. Congratulations @Giancarlo818! pic.twitter.com/2WDXccunZa

- Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 25, 2015

Presumably that was substantially longer than his time in wardrobe over at "ESPN the Magazine" in 2013.

And if you're hoping for an autograph at Spring Training, you can pick up your copy soon: 

@jupitersailfish @Cut4 yes, you can get it as soon as tomorrow, no later than Friday

- Chris Stone (@SI_ChrisStone) February 25, 2015