Identifying Shakespeare.(Report from Europe)(Brief article)

The first portrait purporting to be of William Shakespeare presented to the newly founded National Portrait Gallery in London in 1856 was a painting known as the Chandos portrait (see p. 40). It may or may not be of the playwright, but it has become well-known since it appears on the cover of many editions of his work. The portrait has a long association with Shakespeare because it is documented as having belonged to his godson. Another familiar image of the playwright is the engraving by Martin Droeshout for the First Folio edition, which suggests he had a high forehead, arched eyebrows, and receding hairline. A third is the memorial statue in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon which depicts a rather plump Warwickshire landowner.

In an exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the National Portrait Gallery, five other possible portraits of Shakespeare will be displayed together for the first time. Entitled Searching ...