X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Man" 

Editor: This X-radiograph unveils what lies beneath Hans Memling’s "Portrait of a Man," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a ghostly view, almost like an anatomical study. What do you see here, beyond just the surface level? Curator: Well, it provides insight into art’s institutional history. X-rays are a form of art conservation, a practice shaped by scientific advancements and museum ethics. It shows the museum's role in preserving and authenticating artworks, influencing their reception. What does this process reveal about the power dynamics between science, art, and the public? Editor: It’s fascinating how science changes our understanding of art. So, museums and their practices really influence our perception. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Considering this, how does our understanding of the artwork change?