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

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Madonna and Child," possibly by Neri di Bicci, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating to see this familiar image stripped back to its skeletal form. What do you see revealed through this process? Curator: It's an unveiling, isn't it? The Madonna and Child motif carries centuries of cultural weight, representing not only maternal love but also divinity and hope. This radiograph strips away the color and surface, revealing the underpainting. It asks: what lies beneath our cultural icons? Are the emotions still present? Editor: That's an interesting point. Does the hidden layer alter our perception of the final image? Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that images are constructed, imbued with layers of meaning both intentional and unconscious. The X-ray exposes the artistic process, inviting us to question the symbols we often take for granted. Editor: I’ll definitely think differently about religious iconography from now on.