Searching for Shakespeare

In 1856 the newly founded National Portrait Gallery was presented with a compelling painting of William Shakespeare, known as the 'Chandos' portrait.

Yet today few scholars agree that a true contemporary portrait of the most famous playwright in the history of English literature actually exists.

Despite Shakespeare's enduring fame, his life and works are surrounded by mystery, and fresh discoveries are always being made in the quest to unmask the true Shakespeare.

In this exciting new book, the authenticity of the 'Chandos' portrait and five other portraits is examined in detail and the fascinating results of scientific analysis commissioned by the Gallery are presented for the first time.

Richly illustrated with portraits and images of the costumes, theatre models, manuscripts and maps of the time, this publication also reveals Shakespeare's identity by studying portraits of his contemporaries in London - fellow actors, entertainers and playwrights, as well as his patrons, such as the Earl of Southampton and James I.

This book examines the fascinating links between drama and portraiture and Shakespeare's references to the visual arts.