57 Years Later, Sophia Loren Explains Iconic Jayne Mansfield Photo

— -- Almost six decades after the iconic photo of Sophia Loren oddly eyeing Jayne Mansfield was taken, Loren has explained her peculiar side eye in the pic.

Loren, now 80, spoke to Entertainment Weekly in promotion of her memoir "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: My Life."

Watch: Claire and Gloria Recreate the Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield Photo

She explained the setting 57 years ago, saying, "Paramount had organized a party for me. All of cinema was there, it was incredible. And then comes in Jayne Mansfield, the last one to come. For me, that was when it got amazing."

She continued, "She came right for my table. She knew everyone was watching. She sat down. And now, she was barely… Listen. Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I’m staring at her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate. In my face you can see the fear. I’m so frightened that everything in her dress is going to blow — BOOM! — and spill all over the table."

Loren also explained why she won't autograph this picture.

"Many, many times I am given this photo to autograph it. And I never do," she said. "I don’t want to have anything to do with that. And also out of respect for Jayne Mansfield because she’s not with us anymore."