X-radiograph(s) of "Rogers of Salem" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Rogers of Salem," by John Singleton Copley. It's fascinating to see a portrait in this way, revealing the under layers of the work. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The monochrome tonality and the revealed texture of the canvas create an image emphasizing materiality. The artist’s process, normally hidden, is made visible. Editor: So, by removing the color, we focus on the artist's technique, rather than just the subject's likeness? Curator: Precisely. Notice how the lines created by cracking paint become part of a new, unintended composition. Editor: It's almost a collaboration between artist and time. I’ll never look at a painting the same way again! Curator: Indeed, it’s a reminder that artworks are not static, but evolving objects.