Yes, evidence indicates that William Shakespeare did have a piercing.
Visual Evidence: The 2006 British Stamp
A notable depiction on a stamp issued by Great Britain in 2006 portrays William Shakespeare with a pierced ear. This visual detail, officially sanctioned by a national postal service, suggests an established artistic representation of his appearance, implying he wore an earring.
Historical Context of Male Ear Piercings
The practice of men wearing earrings has a rich and extensive history, making Shakespeare's potential piercing consistent with fashion trends observed across various eras.
- Ancient Practices: In ancient Rome, during the era of Julius Caesar, unisex jewelry, including earrings, was a fashionable accessory. This demonstrates an early historical precedent for men adorning their ears.
- Throughout the Centuries: Across different periods, numerous prominent figures, from common individuals to royalty, have been depicted or known to wear earrings. This highlights that ear piercings were not always exclusive to any particular gender or social class and were a widespread form of personal adornment through time.
This historical context supports the possibility that a figure like Shakespeare could have worn an ear piercing, aligning with broader fashion norms prevalent in various periods of history.
