X-radiograph(s) of "Mrs. Otis" 

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Mrs. Otis," by Joseph Blackburn. It's fascinating to see a portrait revealed in this way, almost like a ghost. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The X-ray strips away the surface, doesn't it? We glimpse the underlying structure, the artist's process almost like an archaeological dig. What symbols, what cultural traces, remain visible even when the colors fade? Editor: I guess it’s like the literal bones of the painting. Are there any insights into the artist or sitter that can be gained from this view? Curator: Absolutely. This view bypasses the beautiful surface, and speaks to a deeper narrative. The X-ray shows us intention, structure, and time. It reveals the layers of meaning embedded within the image. Editor: So interesting. It's like the hidden story of the portrait, revealed through science. Curator: Exactly! The image becomes a symbol of deeper understanding, not just of art but of history itself.