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

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of "Madonna and Child" attributed to Bernardo Daddi, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Initially, I see a rather stark composition, primarily defined by vertical and horizontal lines against a subtle grayscale background. Curator: Exactly. These lines reveal the wood panel substructure beneath the painted surface, telling us about the physical support and the artist’s process. The Madonna and Child image—though now ghostly—resonates powerfully because of their historical and religious significance. Editor: I'm struck by how the radiography, a modern technique, exposes the hidden framework and material construction of an artwork intended to evoke the spiritual. Curator: It's a poignant contrast. The x-ray strips away the layers of paint and gilding, but in doing so, it reveals the physical integrity and enduring symbolic power of the Madonna and Child. Editor: This process of revelation allows us to connect with the artifact and the beliefs it embodies. Curator: Indeed, it shows how scientific examination can enhance, rather than diminish, our appreciation of art.