X-radiograph(s) of "Captain Byfield Lyde" 

Curator: The X-radiograph of "Captain Byfield Lyde" presents us with an unusual view of John Johnston's portrait. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's fascinating how skeletal the portrait looks in this format. The texture of the canvas is far more prevalent than the subject himself. Curator: Exactly! The X-radiograph illuminates the process. The weave of the canvas becomes more pronounced, revealing the labor inherent in its production. Editor: And it really emphasizes the social context of portraiture at the time, revealing the sitter’s status through the commission and display of such an image. Curator: Yes, the materiality speaks volumes about artistic practice and the social dynamics it reflects. Editor: It offers a unique perspective into how museums and galleries influence our reception and comprehension of art history. Curator: Indeed, a reminder that artworks are not just images, but material objects embedded in complex histories. Editor: Absolutely, and a ghostly reminder of the past.