X-radiograph(s) of "St. John" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "St. John," by Callisto Piazza. It's fascinating to see the under layers of the painting, almost like an x-ray. What can we learn from this image? Curator: The radiograph offers a glimpse into the artist's process, revealing the layers of construction and perhaps pentimenti, changes made during painting. It can tell us much about workshop practices and the socio-economic value of the materials used. Does it reveal anything unexpected about the composition? Editor: Well, the hand pointing upward seems much more defined in the radiograph than in the final painting, almost like it was a more important element initially. Curator: Exactly! The prominence of the hand in the underpainting could reflect the theological importance of divine guidance and suggests how much Piazza was considering the impact of his imagery. Editor: That’s a great point. I never would have considered the social implication of divine guidance. Thanks for illuminating the purpose behind this image. Curator: My pleasure. It’s exciting how much art can reveal about its historical moment.