X-radiograph(s) of "Raising of Lazarus" Possibly 1 - 39

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of Duccio di Buoninsegna's "Raising of Lazarus," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a rather striking image, isn’t it? Editor: Indeed! I’m immediately struck by the stark contrast and the grid-like structure. It feels so abstract, almost like a minimalist composition, yet it hints at hidden depths. Curator: Precisely. Radiography allows us to peer beneath the surface, revealing the artist’s process and the underlying structure of the painting. We can discern the various layers of paint and the original panel construction. Editor: It's fascinating to see the underpainting and any alterations the artist made. The composition is no longer just the finished image, but a record of its own making. Curator: And that making reveals Duccio's involvement in the socio-religious context of his time. Lazarus's story held incredible weight. This image preserves that weight. Editor: The materiality and this radiographic view really change my perception of the original painting. Curator: It's amazing how this scientific approach offers unique insights into art history and the public life of this work. Editor: Yes, and by considering composition we can see something quite unique from an art perspective as well.