X-radiograph(s) of "J. Belknap" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "J. Belknap" by Henry Sargent. It's fascinating to see beneath the surface of the painting. What can we learn from this image that we wouldn't see otherwise? Curator: This radiograph offers a unique view into the construction of identity in portraiture. Who was Belknap? What power structures did he represent? The artist's choices about layering, what he chose to emphasize or erase, speak volumes about the sitter's role in society. Editor: So, it's not just about technique, but also about social context? Curator: Precisely. We can analyze how Sargent reinforced or challenged societal norms through his portrayal, and how Belknap participated in that construction. It's a dance of power and representation. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about, thank you!