X-radiograph(s) of "Mocking of Christ" 

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of "Mocking of Christ," originally by Mattia Preti, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite ghostly, isn't it? Editor: It certainly is; a fragmented image revealed. The figures seem caught between visibility and erasure, reflecting perhaps the violence inherent in the scene. Curator: The mocking of Christ is a loaded subject, often depicted with symbols of power and abuse. The x-ray reveals layers of meaning both physically and historically. Editor: The halo, barely discernible, speaks to the endurance of faith. This challenges narratives of victimhood by insisting upon Christ's divinity even in degradation. Curator: That resonates. The artwork’s title itself invites us to confront the intersections of power, faith, and violence. It's a haunting reminder of societal cruelty. Editor: A testament to how potent even a fragmented image can be in carrying cultural memory. Curator: Absolutely, it’s a challenging piece to view, but a necessary one.