X-radiograph(s) of "Benjamin Pickman" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Benjamin Pickman," after John Singleton Copley's painting. It's fascinating to see this stark, almost ghostly, view beneath the surface. What does this X-ray tell us about the artwork beyond the visible? Curator: This X-ray unveils the unseen layers of artistic creation, hinting at the colonial power dynamics Copley navigated. It shows us Copley's process but also subtly reveals the historical weight of portraiture in solidifying elite status in a society grappling with inequality. How does this peek behind the curtain challenge our understanding of Pickman's representation? Editor: I guess it forces us to consider the layers of meaning embedded in even a seemingly straightforward portrait. Thanks! Curator: Precisely, and reminds us that art is never neutral, always implicated in broader narratives of power and identity. Fascinating, isn't it?