X-radiograph(s) of "John Read (?)" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of a portrait, possibly of John Read, attributed to John Smibert. Seeing the image as an X-ray really shifts my perspective, revealing the under layers of the painting. What does this reveal to you about the production of this painting? Curator: The X-radiograph allows us to see the material reality. What kind of canvas was used? What's the evidence of the artist's process, the build-up of paint and the possible alterations? We’re seeing labor and materiality laid bare. Editor: That’s fascinating, seeing the labor this way. It makes me think differently about the final polished portrait we usually see. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, it prompts us to think about the entire process, and what we value when we look at art.