X-radiograph(s) of "Death of the Virgin" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of Michel Wolgemuth's "Death of the Virgin", part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, measuring 14 by 17 inches. Editor: The stark, almost ghostly imagery immediately evokes a sense of solemnity and hidden depths. It feels less like a depiction and more like a revelation of what lies beneath. Curator: Exactly. The original painting, likely part of a larger altarpiece, would have served a public function, reinforcing religious beliefs and social order. This X-ray, however, redirects our gaze. Editor: The image certainly strips away the layers of idealized beauty, revealing a rawer truth. The Virgin's death is a potent symbol, and here, it speaks of mortality, of the ephemeral nature of life itself. Curator: Indeed. The scientific gaze disrupts the devotional purpose, prompting us to consider the artist's process, the materials used, and even the subsequent conservation efforts. Editor: It's a fascinating juxtaposition: faith versus science, visibility versus invisibility. Both offer different perspectives on the same enduring symbol. Curator: It's a reminder that even the most iconic images are subject to interpretation and re-evaluation. Editor: A powerful testament to the layers of meaning embedded within art.