X-radiograph(s) of "Madonna and Child" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Madonna and Child," attributed to the School of Sandro Botticelli. It's held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's haunting. The monochrome palette and veiled image create an almost ghostly presence. Curator: The X-radiograph allows us to see beneath the surface, revealing the materials and the artist's process. What was concealed is now brought to light, literally. Editor: It's a fascinating glimpse into the museum's role in conservation and authentication. Imagine the discussions among scholars about its lineage. Curator: Absolutely. This process demystifies the aura of the artwork, allowing for an examination of the labor and materials behind this image. Editor: And through this, the museum recontextualizes its narrative for a modern audience. It’s no longer just about aesthetic beauty, but the history of its making and reception. Curator: Precisely. Seeing this image through the lens of materiality and process is quite revealing. Editor: Indeed, it allows us to consider the intersection of art, history, and institutional practices.