X-radiograph(s) of "Cotton Merchants in New Orleans" Possibly 11 - 99

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of "Cotton Merchants in New Orleans" by Edgar Degas. It gives us a look beneath the surface of the painting. Editor: My first impression is one of ghostly layers, almost like a photographic negative. It's fascinating to see the structure beneath the visible image. Curator: Absolutely. Radiography reveals the artist's process: underpainting, corrections, and the physical properties of the materials used. It provides a scientific perspective on art history. Editor: And it reminds us of the complex social history embedded in the cotton industry. The painting itself, and this x-ray, speak to power, labor, and the legacies of colonialism. Curator: Indeed, understanding the cultural and economic context of cotton production in 19th-century New Orleans is crucial to interpreting Degas' work. Editor: Ultimately, the x-ray is an important tool for interrogating not just artistic process, but the layers of history and power within the artwork itself. Curator: Yes, it allows us to delve deeper into the painting’s many stories. Editor: It provides an alternative way to examine the artwork, allowing us to see it from all angles.