"New" Shakespeare portrait unveiled in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here's a story. A guy goes into a museum, sees a portrait on display, and realizes that it's a copy of a painting that his family has owned for over 250 years. Much to his surprise, the painting is a portrait of William Shakespeare. And the original in the family art collection is now thought to be the only portrait painted of the Bard during his lifetime.

Which means, of course, that it is worth millions.

The reason Alec Cobbe didn't realize that Shakespeare was the subject of his painting is that the sitter bears so little resemblance to the balding, homely chap we've all come to know.

The subject of this painting, now known as the Cobbe Portrait, is just about the most handsome - and richly turned out - Elizabethan gentleman ever. Who knew that Shakespeare was as easy on the eyes as the ears?

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has spent the past three years trying to authenticate the painting's provenance. Not everyone agrees, but the Trust is convinced that the Cobbe Portrait is original, and dates from around 1610.

If you'll be in Stratford-upon-Avon this year, the portrait will be on display at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust from April 23 to September 6. For more information on the painting, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/world/europe/10shakespeare.html?scp=4&sq=shakespeare&st=cse

The dollar is a lot stronger this year. And British Airways has some great airfares from many U.S. gateways. So if you haven't planned a trip, maybe you should?

For more Shakespearean attractions, and lots of interesting things to do in Stratford, the Cotswolds, the Lake District, and York, see our detailed Great Britain itinerary at http://www.tripaddiction.com/itinerary.cfm?regionID=220&itineraryID=6&display=itinerary