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

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "Madonna and Child" by Andrea Mantegna. It's intriguing to see the layers beneath the surface, like a hidden narrative. What symbolic weight do you think this underlying structure carries? Curator: Indeed, the x-ray reveals the skeletal structure, so to speak. Consider how the Madonna, a symbol of nurturing and compassion, is constructed upon a foundation of preparation, of artistic labour. It's a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an icon. Does seeing this change how you perceive the final image? Editor: It does! It makes me think about the artistic process as a kind of archaeological dig, uncovering meaning layer by layer. Curator: Precisely! And each layer informs the next, echoing cultural memory and adding depth to the image's enduring power.