X-radiograph(s) of "The Mill" Possibly 1 - 84

Curator: We're looking at an X-radiograph of "The Mill," a piece by Gustave Courbet, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The process itself is revealing! Editor: Yes, it’s incredibly striking! The stark contrast really accentuates the painting's formal structure. Curator: Exactly! The X-ray unveils the hidden labor, the underpainting and revisions that contributed to Courbet's final image, the material history embedded in the canvas. Editor: Indeed, it offers a glimpse beneath the surface, a unique perspective on the artist's process. Curator: It encourages us to consider the work involved in making art—the materials sourced, the labor of the artist and their studio, and even the socio-economic conditions that shaped the art world at the time. Editor: I find it fascinating how the composition of light and dark is so abstracted and flattened here compared to the full-color original. Curator: It reveals the hidden dimensions of a familiar piece. Editor: Absolutely, it provokes a deeper appreciation for Courbet's mastery. Curator: Indeed. Let’s move on to the next piece, shall we?