X-radiograph(s) of "Jo, La Belle Irlandaise (Johanna Hiffernan, born 1842/43)" 

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of Gustave Courbet's "Jo, La Belle Irlandaise." It's fascinating to see the under layers of the painting, it's like looking at a ghost. What does this reveal about the social history of the painting? Curator: The X-radiograph exposes the material reality behind the image, a stark contrast to Courbet's romantic portrayal of Johanna Hiffernan. It allows us to consider the layers of artistic intention and the economic realities of art production and preservation. Does this alter your perception of Courbet's work? Editor: It does, it makes me consider the canvas as an object with its own biography, and the museum's role in preserving that. It shows how institutional practices shape our understanding. Curator: Exactly, and it makes you wonder about what other stories remain hidden beneath the surface of art history. Editor: I'll definitely look at paintings differently now!