X-radiograph(s) of "Old Jew" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Old Jew," part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. It's by an anonymous artist, with no date available. My first thought is how clinical and unsettling this image feels. Editor: It's a stark contrast to what I would expect from a portrait, even an x-ray. It makes you consider the violence of representation, particularly with that title. Curator: Absolutely. X-radiography is a powerful tool, revealing hidden layers. Here, it raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in looking, in diagnosis, and who gets to be seen – or unseen. Editor: That title carries so much baggage. I'm left wondering about the story behind the original painting, the context in which it was made, and the assumptions it perpetuates. Curator: Indeed. It challenges us to consider the historical weight and continuing impact of labels and how we engage with the past through art. Editor: It's a haunting reminder that the history of art is also a history of power, prejudice, and representation.