X-radiograph(s) of "Terra Cotta Head" Possibly 4 - 76

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of a terracotta head by B.L. Weisl. The stark contrast gives it an almost ghostly appearance, highlighting the form rather than the surface. How does the scientific process of radiography alter our understanding of this artwork? Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? The X-ray unveils the object's hidden structure, moving beyond aesthetics to reveal its material composition. What does this reveal about museum practices of studying and preserving art, and how is that different from the intentions of the original artist? Editor: It's like we're seeing the artwork on a deeper level, but also changing the way we value it. I never considered the role of science in art history so directly. Curator: Precisely. This process changes how art is valued. We move from aesthetic appreciation to scientific inquiry, shaping the narrative around the object.