X-radiograph(s) of "St. Jerome" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "St. Jerome" by Giovanni Battista Crespi. It's fascinating to see the painting stripped down to its skeletal structure like this. What can we learn from looking at this? Curator: Focus on the materials themselves. The X-radiograph reveals the density of the pigments used, and the artist's process. We can see how the layering of materials builds up the image. It is a record of labor and technique. Editor: So, this shows the physical building blocks of the painting, rather than just the surface image? Curator: Precisely. We understand art's construction, its material history, and even the economic context influencing pigment choices. It shifts our focus from pure aesthetics to the tangible aspects of art production. What do you make of the canvas weave evident in the x-ray? Editor: I guess it reminds me that it's an object made by someone, with all the limitations and possibilities that implies. Thanks, this view has changed my view of painting!