X-radiograph(s) of "Benjamin Coleman ?" 

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of what is believed to be "Benjamin Coleman," attributed to John Smibert. Editor: It's ghostly! Seeing the canvas weave and the layers beneath the surface like this makes the portrait feel incredibly vulnerable. Curator: Absolutely. X-radiography offers insights into the artist's process, revealing underdrawings and alterations that are usually hidden from view. It allows us to peek behind the curtain, so to speak. Editor: It is fascinating to trace the material history of the painting this way. The canvas itself, the pigments, and how they were applied. It gives us clues about the artist's hand and the choices they made. Curator: And it raises questions about authenticity and attribution. These technical analyses help us understand the context of production and how attributions are made and challenged within the art world. Editor: Thinking about the labor that went into preparing the canvas, mixing the paints… it connects us to the physical reality of artmaking. Curator: This truly underscores how understanding an artwork involves peeling back layers, both literally and figuratively. Editor: Yes, the materials and the making—they are the foundation upon which the art historical narrative is built.