X-radiograph(s) of "Head of Christ" 

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of "Head of Christ," attributed to Dieric Bouts. The Harvard Art Museums hold this rather unique view of the work. Editor: It's striking how fragmented it appears. The grid-like overlay almost imprisons the figure, creating a sense of vulnerability. Curator: Indeed, the x-radiograph reveals not just the image but the underlying structure, the panels and their joins. It's a glimpse into the material history of the artwork. Editor: Seeing Christ’s face dissected like this, it's hard not to think about the ways religious figures are constantly re-interpreted and even, in a sense, re-constructed to serve different ideologies. Curator: It makes you consider the role of technology in art history, providing insights that were once impossible, but also influencing how we perceive these objects. Editor: It’s a reminder that even sacred images are subject to the gaze, to dissection and analysis. A potent statement on faith, perhaps? Curator: A fascinating perspective, offering fresh insights into both the physical object and its cultural significance. Editor: Absolutely, a powerful reminder of the layers of meaning within a single image.