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John Taylor

1585 – 1651

English painter

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About John Taylor

Lived 1585 – 1651 (aged 65–66). John Taylor was an English painter.

John Taylor ( 1580–1653) was an English artist who has been put forth as the most likely painter of the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare. All of John Taylor's other paintings have since become lost.

Early life Taylor was born around 1580 and he was probably a child actor with the Children of Paul's in the late 1590s. Though there was certainly a boy actor of that name with the troupe, it cannot be proved that this was the artist. The connection is based on George Vertue's assertion that the artist was also an actor. It is possible that confusion has arisen with the well-known actor Joseph Taylor, who also began his career as a child actor. Vertue also says that Taylor was an "intimate friend" of Shakespeare's.

Career

Taylor allegedly created the Chandos portrait between 1600 and 1610. It is believed to depict William Shakespeare. thumb

Later life and death A portrait of Taylor in his official capacity as Warden (The Potkin Group) was created in 1632 and is in the collection of the company.

He died in 1653.

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Important facts

Born
1585
Birth century
Died
1651
Occupation
Nationality

People in John Taylor's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Taylor's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Taylor?

English painter (1585-1651)

When was John Taylor born?

John Taylor was born in 1585.

When did John Taylor die?

John Taylor died in 1651.

What was John Taylor's occupation?

John Taylor was a painter.

What nationality was John Taylor?

John Taylor was English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Taylor

· Wikidata: Q6260388

· DBpedia: John Taylor (painter)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Taylor. https://biography.guide/john-taylor-painter/

MLA: "John Taylor." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-taylor-painter/.

Chicago: "John Taylor." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-taylor-painter/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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