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

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Man" by Hans Memling. It's fascinating to see beneath the surface like this, but it also feels… ghostly. What symbols or hidden meanings might this reveal to us? Curator: Indeed. The X-ray unveils not just the artist’s process, but also layers of cultural memory embedded within the portrait. Consider the sitter’s gaze: even obscured, it holds a weight of expectation, reflecting societal ideals of masculinity and status. What do you think it tells us about the cultural purpose of portraiture at the time? Editor: It's like a window into the past. Curator: Precisely! This process offers us a unique connection to the past.