X-radiograph(s) of "Allegory" Possibly 1 - 72

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Allegory," attributed to Hieronymus Bosch, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a rather unusual piece to encounter. Editor: It is, and my initial reaction is a sense of uncovering something hidden. The grid-like structure gives it this feeling of a suppressed map that is now revealed, but in a way that isn't exactly clear. Curator: Indeed. Radiography allows us to peer beneath the surface, revealing underdrawings and alterations. In this case, we are literally looking at a hidden layer of the painting. Editor: Absolutely. And what strikes me are the repeated shapes of what looks like eyes, evoking a sense of constant observation, or a hidden judgment, that feels very Boschian. Curator: Given Bosch’s oeuvre, such symbolic interpretations are apt. The sociopolitical context of his work points to a deeply moralizing artistic voice, reflecting the anxieties of his time. Editor: This glimpse beneath the surface gives us such a richer, and more unnerving, appreciation for Bosch’s artistic process. Curator: I agree, it offers a unique view into the layers of meaning and intention behind the art.