Focus on this artwork and explore the abstract.
The Sanders portrait is reputed to be one of the few images of William Shakespeare done in his lifetime. It features a middle-aged man wearing a black doublet with silver ornamentation. It also has a label affixed to the back which reads:Shakspere [sic]
Born April 23=1564
Died April 23-1616
Aged 52
This Likeness taken 1603
Age at that time 39 ysThis label was transcribed in 1909 by Marion Henry Spielmann; today, the original text is not legible.
The Sanders portrait is one of the most researched portraits claimed to depict William Shakespeare (1564–1616). It is named for the man that owned (and perhaps painted) the portrait, John Sanders, whose family has owned the portrait for over 400 years – including a transatlantic voyage that resulted in its presence in Canada.
The portrait’s authenticity as a true likeness of Shakespeare continues to be questioned by critics though supporters point to scientific tests, genealogical research, and historical contexts which date this portrait not only to Shakespeare’s lifetime, but place it as originally painted and owned by a family who lived in the same neighbourhood as William Shakespeare and would have had connections through guild membership with the playwright. The portrait’s presence in Canada, its currently being in the private sphere, and its limited budget for more research and publicity are all factors in the lack of attention shown to the portrait.
Partnering with current owner, Lloyd Sullivan, recent research from the Canadian Adaptations of Shakespeare Project (CASP) at the University of Guelph, has sought to return the portrait to the public eye and establish it as the only true likeness of Shakespeare painted in his lifetime.
doublet a label William Shakespeare portraits claimed to depict University of Guelph