X-radiograph(s) of "Madonna and Glory" 

Editor: Here we have an x-radiograph of "Madonna and Glory" by Jacopo del Sellaio. It's a black and white film, about 14 by 17 inches. It looks like a strange grid obscuring something beneath. What can you tell us about this work? Curator: This image, though a technical record, speaks volumes about art historical practices and their inherent biases. It's an x-ray of a Renaissance painting, used for conservation, but it also reveals layers of power. Who gets preserved? Whose stories are told and retold? What does it mean that this Madonna is being dissected, examined, while countless other artworks, particularly those by women or artists of color, are neglected? Editor: That's a powerful perspective. It really changes how I see this image. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's vital to question these systems and strive for a more equitable art world.