X-radiograph(s) of "Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV (1638-1715)" 14-Nov-12

Editor: Here we have an x-radiograph of Martin Desjardins' "Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV," taken at an unknown date. It's fascinating to see such a familiar art form rendered in this ghostly, almost clinical way. What can we learn from this view? Curator: Absolutely. It's crucial to consider what an x-ray reveals beyond the surface. The statue itself, commissioned to solidify Louis XIV’s image, promoted absolute power. But this x-ray? It democratizes the image, revealing the unseen structure. Editor: Democratizes? How so? Curator: By stripping away the gilded veneer of power, the x-ray exposes the inner workings. It invites us to question the very foundations upon which such displays of authority are built. What support systems, literally and figuratively, sustain them? Editor: I see. So, it's not just about the king, but about the systems that enable his reign. Curator: Precisely. It forces us to confront the power structures embedded within the artwork and, by extension, society itself. Editor: That’s a powerful perspective. I’ll never look at another equestrian statue the same way.