X-radiograph(s) of "Magdalen" 

Curator: Here we have a 14x17 inch X-radiograph of "Magdalen," attributed to Bartolomeo Vivarini, from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s fascinating to see how imaging technology allows us to peer beneath the surface. Editor: It looks like a ghostly figure trapped behind bars. The stark monochrome and the grid create a feeling of confinement, even of suppressed energy. What’s the material story here? Curator: This x-ray reveals underdrawings and the artist's process. It’s a glimpse into the choices made beneath the visible layers. Think about the cultural value we place on uncovering hidden truths. Editor: Exactly! It challenges our notions of authenticity. We’re so used to seeing the finished product, but this reveals the artist's labor, the materials themselves speaking to us through the x-ray. Curator: It also speaks to art conservation. The x-ray serves a crucial function in the preservation of cultural heritage, and has now become an artwork in itself. Editor: It makes you consider the consumption of art, too. We think we’re seeing the final version, but really, there's so much more to it, layer upon layer of creation and social meaning. Curator: Indeed. The x-ray reframes our understanding, opening up new avenues for interpretation. Editor: A compelling view, offering both a technical revelation and a social commentary.