X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Man" 

Curator: Well, hello there, spectral friend! This X-radiograph offers a peek beneath the surface of "Portrait of a Man," attributed to Jan Gossaert, housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Ghostly, isn't it? Editor: Eerily so. The stark contrast of light and shadow gives the impression of a soul laid bare. It’s like a photographic negative, revealing the hidden structure beneath the painted facade. Curator: Exactly! You know, it’s almost like seeing the man's… skeleton, artistic skeleton, of course! It makes me wonder about the unseen efforts, the layers of intent that Gossaert poured into this work. Editor: Precisely. We can analyze the density and distribution of paint, revealing the artist's process. The radiographic image emphasizes the materiality of the painting, transforming it into a study of form and structure. Curator: It really is like detective work. This glimpse behind the curtain adds a whole new dimension to my appreciation for Gossaert's art. What about you? Editor: Indeed, by unveiling the invisible aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of its construction and significance, transforming a painted portrait into a window into art history.