X-radiograph(s) of "Miss Siddons" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Miss Siddons", after Thomas Sully. It looks like a ghostly image, almost like a hidden map beneath the surface. What can this X-ray tell us? Curator: This image reveals not just the surface, but layers of history, technique, and intent. The lines, like veins, show the structural support – the artist's initial sketch, perhaps? These underdrawings are like cultural memories embedded in the image. Editor: So, it’s not just about seeing, but understanding the evolution of the artwork itself? Curator: Precisely. We see the pentimenti, changes made by the artist, decisions recorded in the very fabric of the piece. It’s a glimpse into the creative process, a dialogue between artist and subject over time. What emotional weight do you think that adds? Editor: It makes the painting feel more alive, like we're seeing its history. Curator: Indeed, art holds more secrets than we give it credit for.