X-radiograph(s) of "Mrs. George Williams (Lydia Pickering)" 

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of Gilbert Stuart's "Mrs. George Williams (Lydia Pickering)." It’s fascinating to see the painting's inner structure revealed. What strikes you most about viewing a portrait in this way? Curator: It pushes us to consider what lies beneath the surface, both literally in terms of the artist's process and metaphorically regarding societal expectations of women in that era. What power dynamics are at play in creating and preserving an image? Editor: That's a powerful point. So this isn't just about the artist's technique, but also about the sitter's role? Curator: Precisely! How does the act of commissioning, posing, and ultimately being represented reinforce or challenge the limited roles available to women like Lydia Pickering? The x-ray unveils layers, prompting us to question visibility and agency then, and even now. Editor: I see, it makes you think about what remains hidden.