X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Man" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Man" by El Greco, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you about this image? Editor: It's spectral, almost ghostly! The composition seems fragmented, revealing a hidden architecture beneath the surface. Curator: Indeed. Radiography allows us to analyze the underpainting and preparatory layers, giving insight into El Greco's process and materials. The canvas weave is very prominent. Editor: Considering the historical context, this technique offers a non-invasive way to study an Old Master. How does this inform our understanding of conservation ethics? Curator: Precisely, it balances preservation with knowledge. This "under-image" changes how we perceive the final portrait. Editor: It certainly challenges our conventional notions of a fixed and finished artwork, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. It opens new avenues for exploring the artist's decision-making. Editor: This peek beneath the visible prompts so many questions about art history and its accessibility.