X-radiograph(s) of "Susanna" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Susanna," after Govert Flinck, from the Harvard Art Museums. It's eerie, like a ghost of the original painting. What can we learn from this image that we couldn't see otherwise? Curator: This radiograph reveals layers of the painting, exposing power dynamics inherent in the Susanna story. We see the artist's hand, but also the cultural lens through which female vulnerability has historically been viewed. How does this technological gaze impact your perception of Susanna's narrative? Editor: It's unsettling to see her like this, almost transparent. It emphasizes her lack of agency. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how art, even unintentionally, can reinforce societal imbalances. Examining these unseen elements allows us to critically engage with the historical and contemporary resonances of these narratives.