Abstract:
In the history of science, a story has circulated that Isaac Newton destroyed Robert Hooke's portrait since their long-standing feud. This paper reviews the currently circulating versions of Hooke's portrait, which include five types: one from Time magazine, Lisa Jardine’s, Griffin’s, Leeuwenhoek's portrait (misattributed), and the Hooke imagined by Rita Greer. By distinguishing the authenticity of these versions, we doubt whether the Royal Society ever possessed a portrait of Hooke. The analysis suggests that there is a lack of direct evidence that Hooke's portrait was destroyed by Newton. Up to now, Hooke's genuine portrait that is recognized by the public has yet to be found. Although we know some portraits of Hooke created by Rita Greer are not real Hooke, it has played an important role in enhancing Hooke's public image.