X-ray scans and stylistic analysis of the Wadlow Shakespeare portrait reveal details hidden beneath several layers of overpaint. What do these new findings mean for the authenticity of the portrait?
S23E2: Picturing Shakespeare | Clip
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TRANSCRIPT
-He asked the to X-ray the painting in hopes of revealing any underpainting and to use stylistic analysis to tell him more about its age.
They dated it to roughly 1595, meaning it was create during Shakespeares lifetime.
-1595 would be very convenient because in 1595, Shakespeare was 31.
On the portrait is a 31.
The Hamilton Kerr's analysis of the portrait showe several areas of overpainting, revealing clues that might help identify the sitter.
So, the overpaint, as the X-rays and other images show, is u here, across here, down there.
Very deliberate.
And here we have sort of a shield shape.
So, under there, I think it's very likely there is a coat of arms.
And then here we have a coat of arms thats been added later by somebody, which, again, is ove the top of some sort of writing, some sort of inscription or maybe another motto.
-In order to lear more about the tantalizing clues the X-rays revealed, the painting was sent to the heralds at the College of Arms in London, which regulate the granting of coats of arms.
The heralds are appointed by the ruling monarch and date back to the 12th century, when they served as royal diplomats.
But by the Elizabethan era, they were responsible for issuing these unique heraldic emblems.
-So, this is a syste that has to communicate identity quickly and efficiently in a military environment.
You don't want to be trying to puzzle out minute details as somebody comes charging towards you waving an axe.
So, this is a system which is clear and basic, like road signs.
The nature of these coats arms is they're the arms of the elite.
They're the arms of the powerful landowners, nobleman, knights.
-What does Peter O'Donoghue make of the coat of arms on Steven's painting?