X-radiograph(s) of "St. Peter" 

Curator: Before us, we have an X-radiograph of a painting of St. Peter, attributed to Domenico Feti. The X-ray reveals the painting’s hidden layers and structure. Editor: Immediately, it feels like a study in mortality. The grayscale and skeletal essence strip away the idealization often associated with religious figures. Curator: Saint Peter, the first Pope, is a foundational symbol of the Church. But here, the X-ray reduces him to form and material, inviting reflection on the church’s foundations. Editor: Exactly, the piece speaks to the raw reality of power. By laying bare its material composition, the X-ray unveils the constructed nature of authority, challenging its presumed sanctity. Curator: Indeed, it’s a potent reminder of how symbols are built and sustained. The act of revealing the underlayers also raises questions about originality, authenticity, and artistic process. Editor: Absolutely, it forces us to consider what we choose to reveal and what remains hidden within the narratives we construct about ourselves, our leaders, and our histories. Curator: Looking at it this way helps me reassess the notion of "icon," and its place in history. Editor: Yes, seeing the bones of an image prompts me to think about who gets to write history.