X-radiograph(s) of "Still Life with Teapot, Grapes, Chestnuts, and a Pear" 

Editor: So, this is an X-radiograph of Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin's "Still Life with Teapot, Grapes, Chestnuts, and a Pear." It's fascinating to see the painting stripped down like this, revealing the layers beneath. What do you make of this kind of x-ray analysis of paintings? Curator: The image lays bare the material foundation, the literal structure upon which the visible painting rests. Note the density variations; they speak to Chardin's process, the buildup of pigment, and perhaps even the evolution of the composition. Do you observe any underdrawing or significant alterations? Editor: I see some darker areas that might suggest changes in the placement of objects. Is that information something art historians then use to tell stories about the artist's process? Curator: Precisely. The formal elements visible here, the canvas weave and the distribution of lead white, become primary texts themselves. By analyzing these, we move beyond mere iconography to understand the artist's method and intention through direct material evidence. Editor: This has given me a completely different perspective on how we can analyze paintings. Curator: Indeed, it's a chance to see beyond the surface, engaging with the very essence of the artwork’s construction.