I found this on CNN & found it very interesting; that a painting can stay hidden for so long is incredible. The article didn't say who the artist was. The information is below.
A portrait painted 400 years ago and kept anonymously in an Irish home for much of the time since is now believed to be the only painting of William Shakespeare created during his lifetime.
The portrait of William Shakespeare is thought to be the "only" portrait painted during his lifetime.
The portrait of William Shakespeare is thought to be the "only" portrait painted during his lifetime.
The image reveals a wealthy Shakespeare of high social status, contradicting the popular view of a struggling playwright of humble status, according to Stanley Wells, a professor who chairs London's Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Wells, a distinguished Shakespeare scholar, arranged for three years of research and scientific testing which confirmed it was painted around 1610, when Shakespeare would have been 46 years old.
"A rather young looking 46, it has to be said," Wells said. Shakespeare died in 1616.
The Cobbe portrait -- named after the Irish family that owns the painting -- shows Shakespeare with rosy cheeks, a full head of hair, and a reddish brown beard.
The most common portrait of Shakespeare is a gray image showing a bald Bard with a small mustache and beard, and bags under his eyes.
This is a fascinating story and I read the archaeologists are working on authenticating the work. Hopefully, they may find the artist.
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