X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Lady" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Lady" by Dirck van Santvoort. It’s like seeing beneath the surface, revealing the artist's process. What can we learn from this ghostly view? Curator: This image prompts us to consider power dynamics inherent in portraiture, especially concerning gender. The woman, likely from a privileged background, is presented through a controlled lens. The X-ray exposes the layers of representation, perhaps hinting at hidden social expectations and constraints. Editor: So, it is an almost subversive view of the original painting? Curator: Precisely. By revealing what’s unseen, we can question the artist's intentions and the subject's societal role, sparking a dialogue about representation and historical context. Editor: That makes me think differently about historical portraiture. Curator: Indeed, it challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the socio-political forces at play.