X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Man" 

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of Rembrandt's "Portrait of a Man." It’s just the hand, and looks ghostly. What secrets do you think this radiograph unveils, beyond just the visible brushstrokes? Curator: It reveals power dynamics. Consider Rembrandt's era: who had portraits made, and what messages were they meant to convey? The hand, especially in portraiture, often signifies control, wealth, or status. Editor: So, this seemingly simple detail speaks to larger societal structures? Curator: Precisely. The radiograph allows us to analyze the artist's intention and the sitter’s self-presentation, interrogating the underlying power structures. What does that hand *really* signify? Editor: That makes me see the portrait in a whole new light. It's not just about aesthetics, but about power and identity. Curator: Exactly! By understanding this we challenge the traditional canon and create space for diverse voices.