X-radiograph(s) of "St. Bartholomew" 

Editor: We’re looking at an X-radiograph of "St. Bartholomew" by Karel van der Pluym. It’s fascinating to see a painting deconstructed like this. What do you notice about the composition and use of materials based on the X-ray? Curator: The monochromatic palette, dictated by the radiographic process, emphasizes the stark contrasts in density and the layering of pigments. The artist's technique is revealed, the build-up of paint creating areas of opacity that suggest volume and texture. The network of cracks, visible as delicate lines, also contribute to the overall formal structure. Editor: So the cracks and layers become part of the artistic statement in this medium? Curator: Precisely. They are no longer flaws, but integral elements of the radiograph's visual language. The X-ray, therefore, offers a unique formal perspective beyond the surface aesthetics of the painting itself. Editor: That gives me a new appreciation for the work of art conservators.