Reasons We Love Richard III

[poliphilo]

Well, it's mostly down to Shakespeare, isn't it? 

Firstly because his Richard is a fascinating monster and we can't get enough of him.

Secondly because we know the real man is being traduced and this makes us sorry for him and want to work for his rehabilitation.

So Richard wins both ways: (a) because Shakespeare's version of him is so brilliant and (b) because it's so unjust. 

Comments

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

They released a photo of the skull -- it has an underbite consistent with depiction on the Society of Antiquaries' "arched frame" portrait.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yes, I just saw that. I'm impatient to see the facial reconstruction.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

There's a pretty uncanny resemblance between the arched portrait and photos I've seen of Michael Ibsen -- particularly around the lips, jaw, and chin.