In the world of art and literature, few mysteries captivate the imagination as much as the true appearance of William Shakespeare. For over a decade, window cleaner Steven Wadlow has been on a relentless quest to prove that he possesses a priceless, authentic portrait of the Bard. His journey, filled with intrigue, scientific analysis, and a touch of obsession, is now the subject of a Netflix documentary, "The Stuff of Dreams."

The Origins of the Portrait

Steven Wadlow's story begins in the 1960s when his father, Peter, purchased the painting for £900. It hung above the family television for 40 years, a constant presence that Steven initially found unsettling. "It used to scare me," he recalled. "Wherever you are in the house, it's looking at you. It always used to remind me of those portraits on Scooby-Doo."

The painting, which depicts a youthful Shakespeare at the age of 31 with hair and no beard, is unlike any historical depiction of the playwright. The mystery deepened when a hidden coat of arms was discovered beneath layers of overpainting, suggesting that the sitter's identity had been deliberately concealed.

The Spark of Discovery

The turning point came when an English and art lecturer visited Peter Wadlow's home. Initially thinking the painting was a reproduction, she took a closer look with an eye glass and remarked, "It looks more like Shakespeare than Shakespeare." This comment sparked Steven's curiosity and set him on a path to uncover the truth.

The Journey to Authentication

Steven's quest to authenticate the portrait has been nothing short of an adventure. He turned to facial recognition technology to compare the painting to other well-known images of Shakespeare. The results were intriguing: the painting bore a closer resemblance to the engraving than any other portrait traditionally attributed to the Bard.

The portrait underwent rigorous analysis by experts in hyperspectral imaging and optical spectroscopy. Dr. John Gilchrist, managing director of ClydeHSI, collaborated with researchers at University College London to uncover that the portrait had been altered over time, with features like exaggerated details in the lace added at a later date. "All I can do is report what we observe in the infrared and these measurements," Dr. Gilchrist explained. "Whether this is the Bard or not, I can't validate that. All I can say is that it certainly resembles him."

Expert Opinions and Breakthroughs

Despite the skepticism of the art establishment, Steven pressed on, driven by a desire to prove his critics wrong. "It has become a bit of an obsession to prove some people wrong," he admitted. A significant breakthrough came when Lumiere Technology in Paris, renowned for its work with iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, conducted multispectral analysis.

The firm's chief executive officer, Jean Penicaut, believes the portrait could depict Shakespeare as an actor, possibly even playing one of his own characters. "The conformity with the mouth... it's absolutely the same, undoubtedly, just by observation," Penicaut said. "So, for me, really, I agree with the hypothesis that this is a portrait of Shakespeare."

The Personal and Financial Implications

For Steven, the journey has been both personal and financial. While the potential monetary value of the portrait is staggering—with estimates ranging from £100 million to £200 million—Steven's motivation goes beyond the money. "Of course, one day, somebody is going to want to buy it," he said. "And if they are—and it goes to the right home, and is displayed to the public—then yeah, I'm looking forward to a day when I can retire with a few pounds."

The Legacy of Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, is one of the most celebrated playwrights in history. His plays, including "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Tempest," continue to be performed worldwide and have inspired countless films, ballets, and musicals. Shakespeare's life and work have left an indelible mark on literature and culture, making the quest to authenticate his portrait all the more compelling.

Steven Wadlow's journey to authenticate the Shakespeare portrait is a testament to the enduring fascination with the Bard and the mysteries surrounding his life. From the initial skepticism to the scientific analysis and expert opinions, Steven's quest has captured the imagination of many. Whether the portrait is ultimately proven to be an authentic depiction of Shakespeare, the journey itself is a story of determination, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth.

As Steven reflects on his journey, documented in "The Stuff of Dreams," he remains hopeful that the portrait will find its rightful place in history. Whether it becomes a celebrated piece of art or remains a subject of debate, the quest for Shakespeare's true likeness continues to inspire and intrigue.