X-radiograph(s) of "The Stone Cutter" Possibly 30 - 67

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of Gustave Courbet's "The Stone Cutter" at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see the underlayers of a painting revealed like this. What hidden narratives do you think this image reveals? Curator: The X-radiograph offers a glimpse into Courbet's artistic process. It reveals not just the physical structure, but also the evolution of his vision. Consider how this image reflects the social weight Courbet assigned to labor. Does it amplify or diminish the symbolism of the stone cutter's toil? Editor: That’s a great question. It makes me consider how the hidden layers add another level to the story. Curator: Yes. It shows how the artist's intent is layered, revised, and ultimately presented to the world, carrying its own cultural memory.