X-radiograph(s) of "Maria Anna (or Teresa)" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Maria Anna (or Teresa)," attributed to Juan Bautista Martinez del Mazo. It’s quite stark, isn’t it? Editor: Indeed, it feels ghostly, almost like peering into the soul of the painting itself. You can see the canvas weave and underlying structure. Curator: What’s intriguing is that radiographs allow us to see the artist's process, the underpainting, corrections, and the labor involved in creating the image. We get a glimpse behind the final veneer. Editor: And to my eye, the composition reveals a subtle tension. Areas of density and absence create a dynamic visual rhythm, hinting at the forms hidden beneath the surface. Curator: It makes you consider the material history of the artwork, its existence as an object subjected to the artist’s hand, and now to scientific scrutiny. Editor: I agree. It’s a fascinating exercise in seeing beyond the immediate aesthetic, uncovering layers of meaning both physical and conceptual. Curator: Precisely, it alters our perception of what we deem valuable in art. Editor: A compelling testament to the unseen artistry.