Shakespeare’s Portrait Removed
In a move that has ignited considerable debate, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has decided to remove a portrait of the illustrious playwright William Shakespeare from his cabinet. This decision follows a pattern of changes made by the new Labour government, including the removal of portraits of prominent historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh, and former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and William Gladstone.
Backlash from Conservatives
The decision to relocate Shakespeare’s portrait to storage has been met with strong criticism from conservative politicians. Former culture secretary Oliver Dowden remarked on the significance of the decision, suggesting that Starmer is effectively discarding pivotal representations of British history. Conservative leadership candidate Robert Jenrick also chimed in, emphasizing that other nations celebrate their historical figures and Britain should do the same.
The Historical Context of Shakespeare’s Work
Shakespeare’s works flourished under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I, framing him as a significant figure in the narrative of British cultural history. The painting in question, created by Louis François Rubiliac, is a copy of a 17th-century portrait by John Taylor and is part of the government art collection. This collection often plays a role in showcasing British soft power on the international stage. Although Downing Street has yet to comment on the removals, it is expected that changes in artwork are commonplace when a new prime minister assumes office.
