The Only Shakespeare Portrait Done While He Was Alive To Be Authenticated

A painting that has been in possession of an art restorer and his family is set to be authenticated as the only portrait painted of William Shakespeare while he was alive.

Alec Cobbe has owned the portrait for years, and says that a Birmingham University professor has agreed to authenticate the painting, an exciting prospect for those who are a fan of classic art, and the man himself.

“It would be wonderful if this is shown to be a picture of Shakespeare painted when he was actually living,” Folger Shakespeare Library curator, Erin Blake, said.

Cobbe’s family has been in possession of the portrait, since the early 18th century and at one time the family believed the portrait to be of Sir Walter Raleigh.

William Shakespeare died in 1616, and it is thought that the painting was created around 1610, six years prior to the legend’s death.