Cleanup may see real Bard revealed
The real face of William Shakespeare could finally be revealed, as Britain’s National Portrait Gallery considers cleaning one of its most famous works for the first time.
The Chandos portrait is thought to be the only surviving likeness of the playwright that was painted as he posed. It has been attributed to his friend, John Taylor.
The portrait, named after its former owner, the Duke of Chandos, depicts a bearded gentleman with a gold earring and receding dark hair. It is estimated to have been painted in 1610, when Shakespeare was aged about 46.
Over the centuries it has suffered touchups and alterations, including a lengthening of the subject’s beard and hair.
There are now hopes that delicate cleaning and conservation could reveal Shakespeare’s original features. Other depictions are thought to have been based on descriptions of what he looked like, rather than being painted from life.
The painting was hung in the Duke’s Theatre in London in the 1660s, but has not had any significant treatment since it entered the collection when the National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856. The original paint was applied sparsely, and only a thin layer survives.
Tarnya Cooper, curatorial director of the gallery, said the portrait was now ‘‘almost a relic’’.
Chris Bill, technical director of the Fine Art Restoration company, said the restored work could provide a different picture of what Shakespeare might have looked like.
Experts estimate that the work could take up to a year. Restorers would use new techniques and solvent gels to clean the painting.
During the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death the gallery has been sharing the Chandos portrait with national and international audiences. It is now back on display in London, having been on loan to Russia. It is due to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon for an exhibition next month.