X-radiograph(s) of "Still Life with Brioche" Possibly 1 - 86

Curator: The artwork before us is an X-radiograph of Berthe Morisot's "Still Life with Brioche," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My immediate reaction is one of stark contrast. The ghostly image almost negates the sensual pleasures implied by the brioche in Morisot's original painting. Curator: Indeed, the radiograph strips away the surface to reveal underlayers, the bare bones of the composition, so to speak. It's a fascinating peek into Morisot's process. Editor: Absolutely. It speaks volumes about the unseen, the structural support beneath what we perceive. How socio-economic conditions influenced the availability of artist materials and the artistic processes. Curator: Precisely. By examining this "skeleton" of the painting, we can glean insights into Morisot's artistic choices—the canvas preparation, the density of paint application. Editor: It certainly changes how I perceive the finished artwork. Thinking about the layers beneath, and how they contribute to the overall impact, is enlightening. Curator: I agree. I will now approach Morisot's other painting with an altered point of view.