X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of Youth Holding Arrow" 

Curator: Here we see the X-radiograph of Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio's "Portrait of Youth Holding Arrow," currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The original portrait's date is unknown. Editor: My initial impression is one of layers, almost like a woven textile. It strips bare the unseen foundations. Curator: The radiograph allows us to look beneath the surface, exposing the materials and perhaps revealing the artist's process in a way that challenges traditional art historical narratives. Editor: Absolutely. It allows us to consider how the construction and materials interact with the subject's portrayal—considering not only the visible image but also the hidden support system. Curator: Indeed, by examining the materials themselves, this radiograph shifts focus onto the physical labor inherent to art-making that typically remains invisible. Editor: Exactly, I find that it provides a stark visual reminder of the artist's active involvement, going beyond just intellectual creativity. Curator: It certainly prompts a broader, deeper conversation about production! Editor: And the social implications!