X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of Mrs. Whitehead" 

Curator: Gazing at this film, 14 by 17 inches, I see the "X-radiograph(s) of 'Portrait of Mrs. Whitehead.'" It’s not the portrait itself, but a ghostly peek inside, by Jan Anthonisz. van Ravesteyn. My first thought? Eerie plaid! Editor: Yes, an X-ray transforms representational portraiture into something abstract. The grid obscures the original image, forcing us to contemplate layers of interpretation and materiality. We see the traces of preservation, the institutional attempt to fix and contain. Curator: It’s like archaeology in reverse. Instead of digging down through time, we're using technology to peel back the visible layers. I imagine van Ravesteyn wouldn't believe his portrait would one day be seen like this. Editor: Right! Think of the social history embedded in the pearls, the lace—material signs of status now rendered as mere density on a screen. The technology reveals and conceals, shaping our understanding of representation itself. Curator: So true. It does make me wonder what Mrs. Whitehead would think of this view of her. A bizarre beauty revealed from within. Editor: Absolutely, but isn't that the role of institutions? To reveal what has been concealed and, perhaps, also conceal that which was visible.