X-radiograph(s) of "Landscape" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Landscape" by Nicolas Poussin, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What a haunting image. The high-contrast, grayscale palette and mottled textures evoke a sense of decay. Curator: Precisely. The X-ray reveals the underlayers and the material composition of the painting, showcasing Poussin’s methodical approach. This scientific assessment allows us to see beyond the surface. Editor: Yes, it reveals the aging processes of the artwork, inviting contemplation on its cultural longevity, the act of preservation, and even the museum’s role in it all. Curator: Indeed, and it's fascinating how the starkness of this radiograph transforms a landscape, traditionally a celebration of natural beauty, into something almost abstract and unsettling. Editor: A reminder that time and context are inextricably linked, shaping the way we see not just art, but the world. Curator: A stark contrast of the painted and its photographic representation.