Seeing the Wood for the Trees
From Hospital
Dear Dr Starkey, I broke my leg a week ago and have been in constant pain... God knows what went wrong with Professor X's findings. He looks as clever as Aristotle and as kind as Plato... The first reading he got was 1470; then 1506; and (finally) 1550. I am certain my picture is by Holbein and no other... Greetings from an old and very broken old man.
A fortnight later the writer was dead – of the effects of a broken heart, I suspect, as much as a broken leg. He was 'certain' his picture was by Holbein. But science, personified by that Aristotle-Plato of the archaeological laboratory, had said that the wooden panel it was painted on dated from at least seven years after Holbein's death.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
