X-radiograph(s) of "Samuel Mather" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Samuel Mather," by John Greenwood. The film measures 14 by 17 inches. Editor: At first glance, it's eerie; the stark contrasts create a ghostly impression, a shadow of a portrait. Curator: It's a revealing look beneath the surface, isn't it? We see not just the subject, but also the artist's process, the underlayers that shaped the final image. Think about the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era and the sitter's identity within the fabric of colonial society. Editor: Absolutely. The composition is compelling. The stark contrasts of light and shadow draw the eye immediately to the face, while the seemingly random dark spots scattered around the film create a unique texture. Curator: It prompts questions about preservation, about how we perceive and interact with historical figures through the lens of art and technology. Editor: I'm left contemplating the layers of history, both visible and hidden, within a single image.