A Jackpot Discovery in the Art World
In a remarkable turn of events, a British window cleaner has claimed to have discovered what may be the first portrait of William Shakespeare created during the playwright’s lifetime. This rare find is estimated to be worth a staggering $264 million.
The painting, originally purchased by the father of Steven Wadlow, an antique dealer, from an Oxfordshire estate in the 1960s, was recently examined by art experts. Through meticulous analysis and X-ray examinations, experts concluded that the portrait dates back to around 1595, when Shakespeare was 31 years old, according to The UK Sun.
The portrait bears a striking resemblance to the only authenticated image of Shakespeare, yet historians have not officially authenticated the painting owned by Wadlow. An art dealer has nevertheless valued it at an astonishing sum.
Blue-collar skepticism: The struggle for validation
Wadlow, a window cleaner from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, asserts that his claims regarding the painting have been dismissed due to his working-class background. He believes that his profession has led experts to overlook the authenticity of the artwork.
Despite spending a significant amount of money to prove the painting’s legitimacy, Wadlow’s efforts have yet to yield official recognition. His journey to authenticate the portrait began in 2012 when his father, while watching a documentary on Shakespeare, remarked, “He looks like our bloke above the telly.”
The Cobbe portrait
Currently, the only confirmed painting of Shakespeare is the Cobbe portrait, housed in the Hatchlands Park country house in Surrey. This portrait was created in 1612, 17 years after the date attributed to Wadlow’s painting.
Wadlow, who continues to stand by his claim of possessing an authentic portrait of the legendary writer, remains hopeful yet realistic about the future. He expressed a poignant sentiment, suggesting that the truth behind his artwork might never come to light.