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

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Preacher" by Frans Hals. It's fascinating to see this ghostly version of the painting. What aspects of the composition stand out to you under this unusual light? Curator: The X-radiograph emphasizes the stark contrast between the denser pigments and the canvas. Notice how Hals's brushwork, normally celebrated for its looseness, appears almost skeletal here. Do you observe the areas of impasto, where the paint is thickest? Editor: Yes, especially around the face and collar. It’s amazing how the structure is revealed so clearly! Curator: Indeed. The X-ray unveils a hidden structure and physicality beneath the surface, encouraging us to appreciate the material reality of the artwork itself. Editor: This gives me a whole new appreciation for the physical construction of paintings! Curator: Precisely, the X-radiograph serves as a reminder that art is not just image, but object.