X-radiograph(s) of "Ruth Hawkins Mount (Mrs. Samuel Saltonstall Seabury)" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Ruth Hawkins Mount (Mrs. Samuel Saltonstall Seabury)" by William Sidney Mount. It's fascinating to see beneath the surface of the artwork. What do you see in this ghostly image? Curator: The X-ray reveals hidden layers, a palimpsest of artistic choices. The skull-like form reminds us of "memento mori," symbols of mortality embedded within the portrait, even if unseen by the casual viewer. Editor: So, it's like a secret language embedded in the painting? Curator: Precisely. The artist might have consciously or unconsciously infused the work with these symbolic reminders. It asks us to consider what lies beneath the surface, both literally and figuratively. Editor: I never thought about art having hidden messages. It’s like archaeology! Curator: Indeed! Visual symbols carry cultural memory, and exploring them offers a deeper understanding. I’ve learned something new, thinking about the layering of meaning.