In 1856, the first portrait presented to the newly founded National Portrait Gallery in London was a work believed
to portray William Shakespeare (1564–1616). How England’s most famous
poet and playwright actually may have looked had already been a matter
of national interest for two hundred years. Searching for Shakespeare
will examine the representation of Shakespeare, bringing together for
the first time in this country all six "contender" portraits.
Originating from the National Portrait Gallery in London (on the
occasion of that institution’s 150 anniversary in 2006), the display at
the Center will present the results of the latest technical analysis
and research on several of these pictures, casting new light on the
search for Shakespeare's authentic appearance. Organized by the
National Portrait Gallery, London, in association with the Yale Center
for British Art. The exhibition’s guest curator is Tarnya Cooper, 16th
Century Curator, National Portrait Gallery, London. Elisabeth Fairman,
Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, Yale Center for British Art, is
the in-house organizing curator. 203-432-2800 ycba.info@yale.edu http://ycba.yale.edu/index.asp