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

Editor: So, this is an X-radiograph of "Madonna and Child" by Ugolino di Nerio, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a bit ghostly, almost like a photographic negative. What's the story behind capturing an image like this? Curator: It's like peering beneath the surface, isn't it? This X-radiograph unveils the underpainting, the artist's process, and sometimes, even pentimenti – those changes of mind the artist made along the way. It's a conversation across time! Editor: That's fascinating! Are there any specific details that stand out to you in this particular X-ray? Curator: Notice how the density reveals the use of lead white in certain areas. It’s like reading the artist’s intentions, brushstroke by brushstroke. It's a beautiful paradox – revealing the unseen to deepen our understanding. Editor: It really does add another layer to appreciating the original piece. Curator: Exactly! It's a reminder that art is never just what meets the eye.