X-radiograph(s) of "David" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "David," originally by Andrea del Castagno. It’s currently held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by how the grid pattern interacts with the more amorphous shapes beneath. It’s almost ghostly. Curator: Indeed. The grid likely represents a structural support added to the painting. X-radiography allows us to see layers invisible to the naked eye, revealing the artwork's history and conservation efforts. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider what this reveals about the life of the painting itself. This is a stark reminder of the interventions and preservation efforts paintings require over time. Curator: The X-radiograph allows us to look past the surface and consider the material reality. Editor: Absolutely, it provides us with a unique perspective on the painting's existence and legacy.