X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of Man on Horse" Possibly 7 - 67

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of “Portrait of Man on Horse,” after Antoine Caron. It reveals the underlayers of paint. Editor: Stark! The starkness renders a ghostly quality to the image. It looks like an etching more than a painting. Curator: X-rays strip away the color and surface, don't they? The image transforms into a network of light and shadow, unveiling a hidden history of artistic decisions. Notice the rider’s elaborate costume. It hints at royalty and power. Editor: The scale of the rider is monumental, contrasting with the blurred background. This is more than just a portrait, it's a statement about control. Curator: Yes, and the artist uses the horse to symbolize strength and nobility, connecting the rider to a lineage of powerful leaders and the tradition of military equestrian portraiture. Editor: Looking closely, the x-ray reveals the density of the original paint application, the composition of which is lost to the naked eye. It's like a secret revealed. Curator: Indeed, it gives us a glimpse into the construction of the image itself. Editor: It seems that even in monochrome, the portrait retains its authority.