New evidence: 'Teenage Jane Austen' portrait

[Still Waters]

A portrait of a pretty 13-year-old girl claimed to be Jane Austen has divided art experts for years.

But exciting new evidence has now emerged that the innocent-looking teenager in the simple white dress may really be the famous author, on a visit to Kent in 1789.

An analysis of the oil painting using digital photographic tools has revealed writing that seems to back up the case for it being a genuine likeness of the 19th century novelist.

No other professional portrait of the writer has ever been verified - with only two artworks drawn by amateur hands confirmed as having been produced from life.

But now, analysts have discovered the name Jane Austen in the top-right corner of a reproduction of a photograph of the portrait of the teenager, taken before the painting was restored, according to The Guardian.

http://www.dailymail...ved-author.html

[PersonFromPorlock]

Always liked that sketch by her sister: she looks like every overworked thirtyish truck-stop waitress there ever was!