X-radiograph(s) of "Le Mezzetin" 

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "Le Mezzetin" by Jean-Antoine Watteau, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see this peek beneath the surface! What can we learn about Watteau's process from this image? Curator: This x-ray reveals the materiality of painting itself. We see how Watteau built up the image, layer by layer. Consider the pigments he used, and where he sourced them, and from whom. Editor: So it's not just about the final image, but also the labor and materials involved? Curator: Precisely. How does this change our understanding of Watteau and the value placed on his art during his time? It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely! This has given me a whole new perspective on art history. Curator: Indeed! It’s about peeling back the layers, literal and figurative.