The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 19.0252  Friday, 2 May 2008

From: 		Hardy M. Cook <
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Date: 		Friday, May 02, 2008
Subject: 	Southampton Portrait Discovered

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/27495/portrait-of-shakespeare-patron-discovered-in-london/

Portrait of Shakespeare Patron Discovered in London - ARTINFO.com
May 2, 2008
Portrait of Shakespeare Patron Discovered in London
By Oliver Basciano
Published: May 1, 2008

LONDON-Students from the University of Bristol curating an exhibition 
for the National Portrait Gallery in London have discovered a portrait 
of William Shakespeare's only known patron, Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl 
of Southampton, by an unknown artist. The depiction in oil on panel has 
remained hidden until now, having been painted over with a portrait of 
Southampton's wife, Elizabeth Vernon. It was discovered during a routine 
X-ray prior to the installation of a show of portraits of Tudor women, 
which opened on April 29 at Montacute House in Somerset.

Southampton was a friend of both Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare, who 
dedicated Venus and Adonis (1593) to him. Historians at the London 
gallery compared the newly discovered likeness to previous depictions of 
Southampton in the collection, such as Daniel Mytens's lively oil 
painting on canvas from circa 1618. The sitter was "known at court for 
his flamboyant appearance, particularly his auburn hair, which he wore 
long," claims the gallery.

[Editor's Note: Follow the link above to look at the original portrait 
and the X-Ray revealing Southampton. -Hardy]

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