WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE The Bard – World’s Greatest Writer

Is our iconic image of Shakespeare accurate?

What did he really look like?

The famous Chandos Portrait

For many years, this oil painting was thought to have been done during Shakespeare’s life. For many years, this oil painting was thought to have been done during Shakespeare’s life.

The famous Chandos Portrait For many years, this oil painting was thought to have been done during Shakespeare's life. For many years, this oil painting was thought to have been done during Shakespeare's life. More recent research shows it was done a few generations later. More recent research shows it was done a few generations later.

There are only two definitively accepted images portraying Shakespeare, both of which are posthumous. About 7 years after his death.

One is the engraving that appears on the cover of the First Folio (1623) and the other is the sculpture that adorns his memorial in Stratford upon Avon, which dates from before 1623.First FolioStratford upon Avon

One is the engraving that appears on the cover of the First Folio (1623) and the other is the sculpture that adorns his memorial in Stratford upon Avon, which dates from before 1623.First FolioStratford upon Avon However, several paintings from the period have also been argued to represent him.

The Droeshout Engraving of 1623 The Droeshout Engraving of 1623 This Engraving is in the Famous First Folio Edition and was composed by Martin Droeshout This Engraving is in the Famous First Folio Edition and was composed by Martin Droeshout

This bust of Shakespeare was made in 1623 by Gerard Jansen. (just 6 years after his death) This bust of Shakespeare was made in 1623 by Gerard Jansen. (just 6 years after his death)

This bust of Shakespeare was made in 1623 by Gerard Jansen. (just 6 years after his death) It can be seen overlooking his grave in the sanctuary of Holy Trinity church.

This bust of Shakespeare was made in 1623 by Gerard Jansen. (just 6 years after his death) It can be seen overlooking his grave in the sanctuary at Holy Trinity church. It is said to be a good likeness as it was commissioned while wife Anne was still alive.

Shakespeare Cobbe portrait

A new discovery! The Cobbe Portrait

A new discovery! The Cobbe Portrait This oil painting on a wood panel has rested for centuries in the collection of an old Irish family. Scholars now state that it was painted from life around 1610, when Shakespeare was 46 years old.

A new discovery! The Cobbe Portrait If their scholarship is accurate, then this would prove to be the only true likeness we have of the greatest writer of the English language painted during his lifetime.

Stanley Wells of the Shakespeare Trust with The Cobbe Portrait

The Cobbe Portrait traces back to the Earl of Southampton: The second creation (of title of Earl of Southamption) came in 1547 in favour of the politician Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Baron Wriothesley, Lord Chancellor between 1544 and He had already been created Baron Wriothesley (pronounced "Risley") in 1544, also in the Peerage of England. He was succeeded by his third but only surviving son, the second Earl. On his death the titles passed to his second but only surviving son, the third Earl. He is best remembered as a patron of William Shakespeare. (Wikipedia) Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Baron WriothesleyLord ChancellorWilliam Shakespeare 1 st Earl 3 rd Earl

Cobbe Portrait Chandos Portrait Droushot Engraving

Biographical Data Birth Date: Place of Birth: April 23, 1564 * Stratford Upon Avon Feast of St. George Shakespeare’s Birthplace as it stands today / The House on Henley Street.

Born: Stratford upon Avon at the House on Henley Street

Parents Father: John Shakespeare Father: John Shakespeare A Glover A Glover Rose to become Chief Burgess Rose to become Chief Burgess Fell out of Political Grace. Fell out of Political Grace.

Parents Mother: Mary Arden Mother: Mary Arden

Parents Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Bore many children. Bore many children.

Parents Mother: Mary Arden Shakespeare Mother: Mary Arden Shakespeare Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Bore many children. Bore many children. William Shakespeare had many Brothers & Sisters William Shakespeare had many Brothers & Sisters

Parents Mother: Mary Arden Shakespeare Mother: Mary Arden Shakespeare Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Daughter of well-to-do nearby Farming Gentry Bore many children. Bore many children. William Shakespeare had Brothers and Sisters William Shakespeare had Brothers and Sisters Mary married John Shakespeare in her late teens or early twenties, in the year [2] She bore eight children: Joan (1558), Margaret (1562–63), William (1564– 1616), Gilbert (1566–1612), Joan (1569–1646), Anne (1571–79), Richard (1574– 1613), and Edmund (1580–1607). [3] Though they had many children, the couple did not have good luck. Their first daughter, Joan, born 1558 died, the name was re-used for another child. Second daughter, Margaret, born 1562 died also [4] Then the famous William Shakespeare was born in [2]JoanEdmund [3] [4]

Glover’s Workshop At the Shakespeare Trust

Childhood Home of Shakespeare’s Mother - Mary Arden

Marriage: Wife – Anne Hathaway

Marriage & Family Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife – Anne Hathaway

Marriage & Family Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife Ann is 26 years old to Shakespeare’s 18 years.

Marriage & Family Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife Ann is 26 years old to Shakespeare’s 18 years. First child is born 6 months after marriage.

Marriage & Family Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife – Anne Hathaway Wife Ann is 26 years old to Shakespeare’s 18 years. First child is born 6 months after marriage. Three Children: Three Children: Suzanne The twins: Hamnet Judith

November 27, 1582: 18 year-old William Shakespeare married 26 year-old Anne Hathaway in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Anne was three months pregnant on their wedding day with the couple’s first child, a daughter who will be named Susanna.

Shakespeare’s Sonnet 145, written for his wife: Those lips that Love’s own hand did make Breathed forth the sound that said ‘I hate’ To me that languish’d for her sake; But when she saw my woeful state, Straight in her heart did mercy come, Chiding that tongue that ever sweet Was used in giving gentle doom, And taught it thus anew to greet: ‘I hate’ she alter’d with an end, That follow’d it as gentle day Doth follow night, who like a fiend From heaven to hell is flown away; ‘I hate’ from hate away she threw, And saved my life, saying ‘not you.’

All seems well with a happy little family in Stratford.

All seems well with a happy little family in Stratford. And then all of a sudden, Shakespeare appears all by himself in London working in Theater.

Early London Years Composed Plays: Composed Plays:

Early London Years Composed Plays: Composed Plays: Comedies and Histories Comedies and Histories

: "...for there is an upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the best of you: and being an absolute Johannes fac totum, is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey".Johannes fac totum Greene disparages Shakespeare, for being an actor who has the temerity to write plays., The passage quotes a line which is purportedly from Shakespeare's play Henry VI, part 3.Henry VI, part 3

Early London Years Composed Plays: Composed Plays: Comedies and Histories Comedies and Histories Sharply Criticized by Robert Greene Sharply Criticized by Robert Greene

Comedy: 17 Plays All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It The Comedy of Errors Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Measure for Measure The Merry Wives of Windsor The Merchant of Venice A Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado About Nothing Pericles, Prince of Tyre Taming of the Shrew The Tempest Troilus and Cressida Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale Comedy: 17 Plays All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It The Comedy of Errors Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Measure for Measure The Merry Wives of Windsor The Merchant of Venice A Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado About Nothing Pericles, Prince of Tyre Taming of the Shrew The Tempest Troilus and Cressida Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It The Comedy of Errors Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Measure for Measure The Merry Wives of Windsor The Merchant of Venice A Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado About Nothing Pericles, Prince of Tyre Taming of the Shrew The Tempest Troilus and Cressida Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale All's Well That Ends Well As You Like It The Comedy of Errors Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Measure for Measure The Merry Wives of Windsor The Merchant of Venice A Midsummer Night's Dream Much Ado About Nothing Pericles, Prince of Tyre Taming of the Shrew The Tempest Troilus and Cressida Twelfth Night Two Gentlemen of Verona Winter's Tale

Comedy: Much Ado about Nothing

History: 10 plays Henry IV, part 1 Henry IV, part 2 Henry V Henry VI, part 1 Henry VI, part 2 Henry VI, part 3 Henry VIII King John Richard II Richard III History: 10 plays Henry IV, part 1 Henry IV, part 2 Henry V Henry VI, part 1 Henry VI, part 2 Henry VI, part 3 Henry VIII King John Richard II Richard III Henry IV, part 1 Henry IV, part 2 Henry V Henry VI, part 1 Henry VI, part 2 Henry VI, part 3 Henry VIII King John Richard II Richard III Henry IV, part 1 Henry IV, part 2 Henry V Henry VI, part 1 Henry VI, part 2 Henry VI, part 3 Henry VIII King John Richard II Richard III

History: Henry V

Early Years – London Composed Sonnets Composed Sonnets Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague. 1592

Early Years – London Composed Sonnets Composed Sonnets Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Traditionally considered as addressed to…

Early Years – London Composed Sonnets Composed Sonnets Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Traditionally considered as addressed to… The dashing Young Earl of Southampton, his Patron.

Early Years – London Composed Sonnets Composed Sonnets Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Most likely composed when the theaters were closed by plague Traditionally considered as addressed to… The dashing Young Earl of Southampton, his Patron. The Dark Lady – Perhaps a Mistress in London.

The Globe Theater - Southwerk

The City of London Suburb of Southwark Site of Shakespeare’s Globe

The City of London Suburb of Southwark Site of Shakespeare’s Globe Thames River Westminster

The Globe Theater - Southwerk

The Globe Theater –Original site In Southwerk today, behind this wall & marker, Archaeologist strive to learn about the original Globe.

Maturation as an Artist Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper.

Maturation as an Artist Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. His greatest Tragedies come late in his career: His greatest Tragedies come late in his career:

Maturation as an Artist Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. His greatest Tragedies come late in his career: His greatest Tragedies come late in his career: Othello Othello Hamlet Hamlet King Lear King Lear Macbeth Macbeth

The Four Major Tragedies

Maturation as an Artist Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Upon the death of his son Hamnet, at age 11 in 1596, Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. Shakespeare becomes more reflective, and his themes become deeper. His greatest Tragedies come late in his career: His greatest Tragedies come late in his career: Othello Othello Hamlet Hamlet King Lear King Lear Macbeth Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Tragedies / 10 Plays Antony & Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Antony & Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Antony & Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus Antony & Cleopatra Coriolanus Hamlet Julius Caesar King Lear Macbeth Othello Romeo and Juliet Timon of Athens Titus Andronicus

Shakespeare’s Last Play The Tempest.

The Tempest The Tempest In this work, his magician Prospero, is at the end his career and will burn his books. In this work, his magician Prospero, is at the end his career and will burn his books.

The Tempest The Tempest In this work, his magician Prospero, is at the end his career and will burn his books. In this work, his magician Prospero, is at the end his career and will burn his books. A parallel to Shakespeare’s retirement. An end to his magic, and an end of writing. A parallel to Shakespeare’s retirement. An end to his magic, and an end of writing.

Retirement Shakespeare retires from his London Career and returns to Stratford a relatively wealthy man of significant high status. Shakespeare retires from his London Career and returns to Stratford a relatively wealthy man of significant high status.

Retirement He builds the finest home in Stratford which he calls “New Place”. He builds the finest home in Stratford which he calls “New Place”.

New Place New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden. New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden.

New Place New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden. New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden. The house that once stood here has been demolished. It was originally one of the grandest in Stratford, and was bought by Shakespeare at the height of his success. The house that once stood here has been demolished. It was originally one of the grandest in Stratford, and was bought by Shakespeare at the height of his success.

New Place New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden. New Place, is the site of Shakespeare's former home, and is now occupied by this garden. The house that once stood here has been demolished, but was originally one of the grandest in Stratford, and was bought by Shakespeare at the height of his success. The house that once stood here has been demolished, but was originally one of the grandest in Stratford, and was bought by Shakespeare at the height of his success. He lived here after his return from London, until his death in the year He lived here after his return from London, until his death in the year 1616.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616

Is a death mask found in a ragpicker's shop in 1842 that of William Shakespeare? The British weekly New Scientist says the mask, bearing the date 1616 and the high forehead, prominent nose and beard associated with Shakespeare, could be.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616 He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London. He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616 He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London. He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London. The acclaimed writers Ben Jonson and Drayton among the group who came up from London. The acclaimed writers Ben Jonson and Drayton among the group who came up from London.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616 He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London. Supposedly he took sick from a bad batch of pickled herrings, this if often blamed for his death. He dies, according to tradition, following a night out drinking with friends who came up from London. Supposedly he took sick from a bad batch of pickled herrings, this if often blamed for his death.

The Will of Will The Will of Will

Shakespeare did have a will on record, many scholars believe it is all in his own hand, with many cross outs and edits. Shakespeare did have a will on record, many scholars believe it is all in his own hand, with many cross outs and edits.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616 In a strange behest, he wills his wife, Anne, his second best bed. In a strange behest, he wills his wife, Anne, his second best bed.

Death of Shakespeare April 23, 1616 In a strange behest, he wills his wife, Anne, his second best bed. What’s this mean? In a strange behest, he wills his wife, Anne, his second best bed. What’s this mean?

Death of Shakespeare - April 23, 1616 He is buried inside of Holy Trinity Church. He is buried inside of Holy Trinity Church.

Death of Shakespeare - April 23, 1616 He is buried inside of Holy Trinity Church. He is buried inside of Holy Trinity Church. This is due to his service to the church, not due to his fame as a playwright. This is due to his service to the church, not due to his fame as a playwright.

Shakespeare Buried inside of Holy Trinity Church - Stratford

Shakespeare’s Epitaph

Over 130 years after his death, in 1740, a memorial statue to Shakespeare was erected in 'Poets' Corner‘ of Westminster Abbey in London.

Stratford Today.

So with Stratford today as our backdrop, let us conclude our short look at William Shakespeare!

And that my friends is The End