X-radiograph(s) of "Holy Family" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of "Holy Family", originally by the School of Raphael, now residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is one of ghostly fragility—the image feels both present and vanished. The radiographic process certainly accentuates that. Curator: Indeed. The X-ray unveils the underdrawing and pentimenti, revealing the evolution of the composition and the artist's creative process. It provides a tangible link to artistic decision-making. Editor: And in doing so, it democratizes the artistic experience. It removes the preciousness, the flawless presentation often associated with old masters. We see the wood grain, the imperfections. Curator: Precisely. By exposing these inherent material qualities, the radiograph challenges the traditional veneration of the artwork as a purely aesthetic object, redirecting attention to its physical existence. Editor: Ultimately, this technological intervention transforms our understanding of art, shifting it from divine creation to the product of human ingenuity and material constraint. I find that empowering. Curator: A compelling observation, it highlights how even a work rooted in tradition can be reimagined through modern lenses. Editor: Yes, it compels us to reassess how we relate to art's history and construction.