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

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Virgin and Child," attributed to the School of Andrea del Verrocchio, here at the Harvard Art Museums. Ghostly, isn't it? Editor: It is! Like peering into the soul of a painting. You see the faint outlines, the hidden structures… almost like a secret history being revealed. Curator: Exactly! X-radiography is invaluable for conservators. It reveals the artist's process, the underdrawings, and alterations made over time, offering us insights into the creation of the work and its condition. Editor: So, it's not just about the pretty picture; it's about understanding what went into it, the evolution of the artist’s vision. It makes me wonder about all the unseen decisions, the layers of thought and intention. Curator: Precisely. The technique also allows us to compare this work with others from Verrocchio's school, furthering our understanding of workshop practices and artistic attribution in Renaissance Italy. Editor: It gives you a completely fresh perspective. Art becomes a conversation between the visible and the invisible, the tangible and the conceptual. I love that.