X-radiograph(s) of "William Cooper, died 1743 (Copy?)" 

Curator: At first glance, this X-radiograph evokes a sense of texture. The interwoven patterns create a complex visual field, don't you think? Editor: Indeed. What we're looking at is a 14 x 17 film image of an X-radiograph taken of "William Cooper, died 1743 (Copy?)," originally attributed to Joseph Badger. The image's focus, of course, shifts from the finished portrait to the unseen layers. Curator: Exactly. The materiality here is fascinating—the weave of the canvas, the density of the paint, all made visible. It encourages us to think about the labor involved, the very process of creation, and perhaps even conservation. What's hidden beneath matters. Editor: I'm struck by how the X-ray technique flattens the image, distilling the portrait to its essential structure. It highlights the formal elements, the artist's decisions about composition and form. Curator: It certainly prompts questions about authenticity, too. Is it a copy? The X-ray could reveal information about underpainting or techniques inconsistent with the original artist. We can use this in discussions of value and legacy. Editor: Seeing the image this way, stripped of color and surface illusion, lets us contemplate the abstract qualities of the artwork itself. A powerful insight! Curator: Ultimately, this X-radiograph serves as a reminder to consider the many layers that contribute to our understanding and appreciation of art.