X-radiograph(s) of "Benjamin Pratt (false signature added)" 

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of a portrait once attributed to John Smibert, titled "Benjamin Pratt (false signature added)." The image reveals what lies beneath the surface, quite literally. Editor: The ghostly quality of the x-ray is arresting. It makes you think about the hidden histories embedded in portraiture, especially when considering false attribution. Curator: Absolutely. The canvas weave becomes prominent, a grid that underlies the painted image. It directs our attention to the labor involved in creating the physical object. Editor: And how the desire to profit from that labor can lead to deception. The false signature represents an attempt to manipulate the art market and, by extension, historical narratives. Who was the sitter, and why was Smibert's name applied later? Curator: Exactly. The process of revealing the materiality of the painting allows us to question its authenticity and opens up avenues of inquiry into art production and the artist’s hand. Editor: It’s a reminder that images are constructed, imbued with power dynamics, and vulnerable to manipulation. Something to keep in mind when viewing any portrait. Curator: Indeed, this forensic view reveals the importance of considering the complex layers that comprise any artwork. Editor: It forces us to look beyond the surface and consider the narratives we inherit.