X-radiograph(s) of "Two Girls of Gore Family" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Two Girls of the Gore Family" after John Singleton Copley. It’s fascinating to see the layers beneath the surface. What can we learn about Copley's process from this? Curator: The X-radiograph reveals the physical making of the artwork. We can see the canvas weave, pigment density, and even pentimenti – the artist’s changes. This shifts our understanding from pure aesthetic appreciation to considering the labor and material investment embedded in the painting. Notice the thick applications of lead white; what does that tell us about Copley's technique and access to materials? Editor: It shows his material choices and how he built up the image. It makes you consider where Copley sourced his materials and the social context of art production at the time. Curator: Precisely. This underscores how art is not just about the image, but also about the resources, skills, and social systems that enable its creation.