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

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Young Man" by an artist attributed to Rembrandt. It's fascinating how the X-ray reveals the structure beneath the surface. What can we learn from this image in terms of artistic technique? Curator: Observe the composition, particularly the density variations indicating the artist's application of paint. The lighter areas represent denser materials, likely lead-based pigments. Note how these define the form. Editor: So, the artist used lead white to build up the highlights and contours of the face? Curator: Precisely. The X-ray allows us to analyze Rembrandt's process—the layering and building of form through material density. It underscores the importance of materiality in his work. What does it reveal to you? Editor: It's like seeing the artist's thought process, the bones of the painting. Thank you. Curator: Indeed. A powerful example of how technological intervention unveils new ways of understanding artistic creation.