X-radiograph(s) of "Mrs. Epes Sargent (Aunt Blaney)" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of John Greenwood's "Mrs. Epes Sargent," offering a ghostly glimpse beneath the surface. What can we learn by looking beyond the visible image of this portrait? Curator: The X-radiograph invites us to question what is hidden beneath representation, both literally in the layers of paint, and figuratively in the social construction of identity. Who was Mrs. Sargent, and what power dynamics were at play in her portrayal? Editor: That's fascinating. Were women of her status often painted, and how might this X-ray challenge conventional views of portraiture? Curator: Precisely! It compels us to consider the agency of both the artist and sitter. The radiation unveils hidden layers. It challenges the perceived truthfulness of portraiture and prompts discussions about power, visibility, and the gaze. Editor: So, it's about more than just seeing what's underneath; it's about questioning the whole system of representation. Curator: Exactly. And understanding how art interacts with broader social and political contexts.