WQLN PBS NPR
8425 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509

Phone
(814) 864-3001

© 2025 PUBLIC BROADCASTING OF NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Experts Used Tree Rings to Date This Portrait to Shakespeare’s Lifetime

Season 23 Episode 2 | 2m 45s

Unlike other representations of William Shakespeare, Steven’s portrait was painted on wood panels rather than canvas. Researchers were able to pinpoint when the painting was made with dendrochronology, the scientific method of using tree rings to date events or artifacts, revealing surprising results.

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Latest Episodes
Could the discovery of a third portrait of William Shakespeare be a genuine article?
The chance discovery of a jade artifact unearths an ancient Chinese city.
Scientists study medieval bubonic plague victims in hopes of preventing future outbreaks.
See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.
An unprecedented discovery could reveal new information about Cleopatra’s reign.
The spectacular arena showcasing Ancient Rome’s power also contributed to its downfall.
Historian Jonathan Petropoulos investigates the post-war life of former Nazi art dealer Bruno Lohse.
Historian Jonathan Petropoulos investigates the life of former Nazi art dealer Bruno Lohse.
Priceless artifacts in Laos reveal holy sites from the early days of the Khmer Empire.
The discovery of priceless artifacts in Laos sheds light on the ancient Khmer Empire.
Extras
Could the discovery of a third portrait of William Shakespeare be a genuine article?
The portrait hung above the family TV for 50 years before they realized it might be Shakespeare.
Facial recognition software suggests the portrait may depict William Shakespeare.
X-ray scans of the Wadlow Shakespeare portrait reveal details beneath several areas of overpaint.
The chance discovery of a jade artifact unearths an ancient Chinese city.
The Black Death may have killed nearly 50 percent of the Europe's population.
In 1347, ships reached Sicily with the Black Death. In a year, it spread across Europe to England.
Ancient gravestones in Kyrgyzstan hint the Black Death began long before it reached Europe.
The haunting journal of Agnolo di Tura reveals the horrors of the Black Plague.
See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.
WQLN PBS Passport is a member benefit that provides you with extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming!