X-radiograph(s) of "Annunciation (copy by Thompson and Emery)" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Annunciation," a copy by Thompson and Emery after an original by Daniel Varney Thompson, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There’s an ethereal quality to this piece. The stark black and white tones, combined with the almost ghost-like imagery, evoke a sense of mystery and quiet contemplation. Curator: The X-radiograph technique reveals the underlying structure of the artwork, exposing the artist's process. We see the composition in its most fundamental form, stripped of color and surface detail. Editor: By looking at this we get to think about how religious paintings throughout time have shaped our understanding of gender roles, particularly female submission and piety. The annunciation scene itself is so loaded. Curator: Precisely. And the materiality is interesting, no? The monochrome aesthetic emphasizes the geometric relationships within the composition. Editor: It's a powerful recontextualization, making us question not just the artistry, but the power dynamics at play within the scene itself. Curator: Indeed, it allows for a new appreciation of the work. Editor: Absolutely, offering a new dimension to how we view this piece, and even how we view the history behind it.