X-radiograph(s) of "George Washington" Possibly 1 - 72

Editor: So, we're looking at an X-radiograph of Gilbert Stuart's "George Washington." It's kind of ghostly, like peering into the hidden layers of history. What secrets do you think this reveals about Stuart's process? Curator: Secrets, indeed! Think of it as an intimate peek behind the curtain. The X-ray unveils the underpainting, the artist's initial thoughts, maybe even some pentimenti – those little corrections or adjustments Stuart made along the way. It's like an archaeological dig into the creation of an icon. What do you make of the texture? Editor: It looks almost like a woven tapestry, not a smooth surface. Curator: Exactly! The canvas's weave becomes so prominent, reminding us of the material reality beneath the illusion of the portrait. For me, it adds a layer of vulnerability, stripping away the polished facade to expose the raw foundation. Editor: That’s such a cool way to think about it – seeing the bones of the painting. Curator: Precisely! It's like looking at the soul of the artwork, laid bare. Something to remember next time we see the finished portrait, isn't it?