X-radiograph(s) of "Ecce Homo" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Ecce Homo," thought to be by an artist of the Andrea Solario school, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: There's an eerie quality to this. The stark contrasts create a ghostly, almost abstract image. Curator: Indeed. X-radiography allows us to see beneath the surface, revealing the artist's process and changes made during creation, which were normally hidden. Editor: I'm struck by the composition. How the figure seems suspended, the lines creating a sense of confinement and suffering, very much in line with the image of "Ecce Homo". Curator: Understanding the socio-political context of religious art during that period is crucial, as it reflects on how artists visually communicated spiritual narratives to a wide audience. Editor: It's fascinating to view the artwork in this way. It strips away the color, leaving behind pure form and structure. Curator: Considering how the artwork was publicly displayed and its impact on viewers reveals a lot about the artist's intentions. Editor: It certainly gives a new dimension to how we view and analyze artworks. Curator: Exactly. The study of art through this technique can teach us a great deal. Editor: I agree. There's a certain beauty even in its bare bones.