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

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Young Man", attributed to Andrea Previtali, also known as Il Cordeliaghi. It's a film sized at 14 by 10. Editor: Striking! The black and white palette creates a haunting, almost ghostly impression, while the checkerboard pattern superimposed on the portrait disrupts its legibility. Curator: Indeed, the radiographic technique allows us to see beneath the surface, questioning notions of visibility and revealing the hidden layers of artistic creation and perhaps touching on the subject's own obscured identity. Editor: From a formal standpoint, the grid introduces a powerful tension. The artist is using the grid as a new element to change the composition of the old artwork. Curator: It also prompts us to consider the cultural moment of portraiture itself, who had access, and what power dynamics were at play in constructing these images of often elite, white subjects. Editor: Ultimately, this work is a compelling exploration of layers – both literal and metaphorical – in art. Curator: Yes, it shows how art can serve as a powerful lens for understanding complex historical and social power structures.