X-radiograph(s) of "Slaughtered Ox (old copy after Rembrandt)" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of a copy of Nicolaes Maes' "Slaughtered Ox," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Seeing it like this, almost like a ghostly image, it makes me wonder about the layers of creation and interpretation. What does this reveal about the painting, and the act of copying itself? Curator: It highlights the institutional role of art examination. X-radiography allows us to peer beneath the surface, revealing the artist’s process. But also, it’s a commentary on value. Why x-ray a copy? It prompts us to think about authenticity, labor, and how institutions legitimize art through scientific scrutiny, even when the object isn't a "masterpiece." Editor: So, even the investigation of a copy raises important questions about how we define and value art. That's fascinating.