X-radiograph(s) of "Sketch for Picture of the Milky Way" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of a sketch for a picture of the Milky Way, by Peter Paul Rubens. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: At first glance, the composition feels quite ethereal, almost ghostly, given the radiography. The figure seems to float within the frame. Curator: Indeed. The X-ray reveals the underpainting, the artist's process. It exposes the evolution of Rubens's vision, showing us how he builds the composition. Editor: The underlying structure provides an insight into the artist's mind. We can see the compositional framework beneath the surface. Curator: Consider how the sketch itself functions within the broader context of Rubens's oeuvre. This provides access to the studio practice. Editor: It's remarkable how this view transforms our perception, inviting us to examine both the artistic choices and the material foundation. Curator: An interesting peek behind the curtain, as it were.