X-radiograph(s) of "Annunciation" 

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "Annunciation," by Luca Signorelli. It is so interesting to see beneath the surface of a painting. What can we learn from this kind of view? Curator: The X-radiograph reveals the artist's process. Notice the underlying structure, the compositional geometry that guides the work. The pentimenti, the changes made by the artist, evidence a dynamic, evolving process. What do you observe about the distribution of density? Editor: I see that the density is not uniform. Certain areas appear darker, denser than others. Does that indicate where the artist applied more pigment? Curator: Precisely. The variations in density reveal the layered application of materials and allow us to analyze the artist's technique in terms of building form and modulating light through pigment density. These are the formal elements that constitute the visual language of the painting. Editor: I see. So by studying this x-ray, we can better understand how Signorelli actually constructed the painting. Curator: Indeed. It provides a unique perspective on the materiality and structure inherent in the work.