X-radiograph(s) of "Officiers of the Sebastian Company" 

Curator: Here we have an x-radiograph of "Officiers of the Sebastian Company" by Bartholomeus van der Helst, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a look beneath the surface, quite literally. Editor: Intriguing! The stark contrast immediately draws the eye, creating a layered composition with varying densities and opacities. It's like looking at a ghostly echo of the original. Curator: Exactly! It reveals the artist's process, the underpainting, and any alterations made over time. We can analyze the construction of the artwork itself. Editor: True, observing the materiality tells us so much. The density variations expose the layers of pigment and the canvas's weave. The cracks and repairs hint at the painting's history and handling. Curator: And the social context! This x-ray provides insights into the production, conservation, and even the market value placed on such artworks. We see how it's been preserved. Editor: Fascinating how science allows us to peel back time, revealing more than just the surface of a painting. Curator: Indeed, offering a unique material perspective. Editor: A fascinating way to appreciate it.