X-radiograph(s) of "John Bours" 

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "John Bours" by John Singleton Copley, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see a portrait revealed through this technology. What can you tell me about the cultural significance of using x-rays to view art? Curator: X-radiography allows conservators and art historians to peek beneath the surface, revealing the artist's process and changes made over time. This helps us understand Copley's technique and how the painting might have been received in its historical context, considering the values and expectations of portraiture in that era. Editor: So, it's like uncovering a hidden narrative about the painting's life and the artist's decisions? Curator: Precisely. It reveals the physical history of the artwork itself. These radiographic images contribute to broader discussions about authenticity, preservation, and the evolving role of museums in studying and presenting art. Editor: This makes me think differently about the artwork. It's not just an image; it's an artifact with a story. Curator: Yes, and radiography helps us to read it.