X-radiograph(s) of "Cupid" c. 21 - 48

Editor: This X-radiograph offers a peek beneath the surface of Caravaggio’s "Cupid." It’s fascinating to see the underlayers. What can this X-ray tell us about the artist's process and perhaps its cultural context? Curator: The X-radiograph reveals not just Caravaggio's technique, but also the social dynamics at play. What choices did Caravaggio make, and how might those choices reflect the societal constraints or freedoms he experienced as a queer individual in the 17th century? Editor: So, it’s about looking at the layers not just of paint, but of identity and societal pressures? Curator: Precisely. The artistic process becomes a site of resistance, negotiation, and self-expression. What we see—and what remains hidden—speaks volumes about Caravaggio's world. Editor: This gives me a whole new perspective on art analysis. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. Always consider the unseen narratives shaping artistic creation.