X-radiograph(s) of "House at Arles" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of Van Gogh’s "House at Arles." It's fascinating to see the layers beneath the surface. What does this radiographic view reveal about the painting's creation and its place within art history? Curator: It’s interesting to see Van Gogh’s process. Radiographs let us study the materiality of paintings. Do you notice how the impasto affects the X-ray's appearance? Editor: Yes, the thick paint layers are more prominent. Does that offer insight into his artistic choices and how his work was viewed at the time? Curator: Exactly. The thick paint was seen as radical. Considering the socio-political context, was his rejection by the Salon a reflection of this artistic approach? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but it makes sense. It's a new way to appreciate his work.