This picture is named for its former owner, Sir
Desmond Flower, who donated it to the Shakespeare Museum in 1911. This painting
is probably a copy of the Droeshout portrait.
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This picture, too, is named after its owners, the
Dukes of Chandos. Some people believe that ist was painted by Richard Burbage,
Shakespeare's friend and colleague, but this is rather unlikely. However,
there is no doubt that it was painted when Shakespeare was alive. Some critics
argue, however, that the painting shows somebody else.
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In 1623 the bust was placed in the Chancel
of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. At that time Shakespeare
had been dead for seven years. It was commissioned and financed by his friends
and family.
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This picture, which was made by the engraver Martin
Droeshout, appears on the First Folio. It is unlikely that Shakespeare
actually posed for Droeshout, who probably worked from a now lost portrait.
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