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

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Man" by Domenico Veneziano, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see art examined in this way. What does the composition of this X-ray reveal about the painting's structure? Curator: The radiographic grid imposes a formal structure onto the image, allowing for a sectional analysis of the painting's material density. Notice the varying opacities; what do these variations suggest regarding the artist's technique and the materials used? Editor: It looks like some areas are thicker than others. Does this imply layering or different pigments? Curator: Precisely. Variations can denote areas of denser pigment application, alterations in composition, or even previous restoration efforts. It invites us to consider the painting not just as a visual surface, but as a stratified object with a material history. Editor: That's a great reminder to think about the materiality and construction of the artwork itself, not just the final image we see. Curator: Indeed, it transforms our understanding of artistic creation.