In this artwork, how is the The label of the Scientific testing elucidated?
The label has been the source of much controversy. Many claim that the wording on the label "This Likeness taken" is not consistent with 17th century practices. Others argue that the birthdate of Shakespeare (23 April) was an 18th century mistake and not to be trusted. However, scientific tests have proven that this date was, most probably, written in the 17th century and could definitively prove 23 April as Shakespeare’s date of birth.
18th century mistake and not to be trusted