X-radiograph(s) of "Self-Portrait with Wife" 

Curator: The artwork we're observing is an x-radiograph of "Self-Portrait with Wife," originating from the workshop of Andrea del Sarto. Editor: My initial reaction is of something spectral, the stark contrasts creating a ghostly image. Curator: Indeed, the x-ray reveals the underpainting, offering a peek into the artist's process and potential alterations. This is fascinating when considering societal expectations of the artist and his relationship to his partner. Editor: The composition itself, even in this abstract form, shows a clear structure. The arrangement of forms suggests a conscious ordering of shapes and lines. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the historical context: what does it mean for a male artist to paint his wife during the Renaissance? This piece invites conversations about gender, power, and representation. Editor: The starkness of the black and white, the reduction to essential forms, pushes us to consider the materiality and structure—a visual study in itself. Curator: It's remarkable how this x-radiograph, while technically a diagnostic tool, offers a unique lens through which to examine the artist's intent and the broader social landscape. Editor: Precisely; through its novel presentation, we are made to contemplate artistic merit and the underpinnings of representation.