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

Curator: Looking at this X-radiograph of "Madonna and Child," supposedly by an artist in the circle of Andrea Solario, I'm struck by the layering. It feels like an archaeological dig. Editor: Indeed, it’s less about aesthetics here, and more about process. This image reveals the material history of the painting—the wood panel's structure and repairs. Curator: Precisely! Think about the social context. This kind of diagnostic imaging allows conservators to understand how artworks were constructed, modified, and even damaged over time. It’s a window into a workshop! Editor: It speaks to the ongoing labor involved. X-rays aren't the finished product, they're a critical tool in how we extend the lives of these objects. Curator: Exactly. It's fascinating to see how technology mediates our relationship with the art of the past. Editor: It shifts the focus from the singular artistic genius to the broader network of artisans, technicians, and institutions that sustain art.