X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Young Lady" by Artist of original: Gerard Terborch

X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Young Lady" Possibly 21 - 60

0:00
0:00

Copyright: CC0 1.0

Curator: We’re looking at an X-radiograph of “Portrait of a Young Lady," originally created by Gerard ter Borch. The piece is held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's ghostly. Seeing the inner structure of the painting like this is almost unsettling, yet it draws me closer to understanding its history and the artist's process. Curator: Indeed. The X-ray reveals the artist's underdrawing and any alterations made during the painting process. We can see the build-up of pigment, witnessing his decisions. Editor: It’s fascinating to see beyond the surface, literally. These hidden layers show us the artist's thinking, maybe even revealing the social constructs that dictated the portrait’s creation. Curator: Precisely. What's revealed can challenge our expectations. The symbolism we ascribe to the finished work may be completely upended by what lies beneath. Editor: Looking at the internal architecture of a painting forces me to consider how much of our understanding of art relies on the narratives we create around it. What is hidden is just as important. Curator: The science helps us analyze assumptions, while the image holds onto mysteries. Editor: Yes, and both remind us there are always untold stories beneath any surface.

Show more

Comments

No comments

Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.