X-radiograph(s) of "La Comtesse Noire" Possibly 23 - 85

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "La Comtesse Noire" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The ghostly image reveals hidden layers beneath the surface. What can we learn from this deconstruction of the painting’s materiality? Curator: The X-radiograph strips away the illusion, exposing the underlying structure. Observe the density variations, which indicate areas of differing pigment concentration. Do you notice the artist's reworking and adjustments? Editor: Yes, I see the pentimenti—the visible traces of earlier compositions. What does this reveal about the artist’s process and the evolution of the artwork? Curator: It underscores the dynamism inherent in creation. The artist’s hand is evident, not just in the final image, but in the iterative layering. A true formalist study. Editor: So, even in what seems like a purely technical image, we can still find evidence of the artist's decisions and creative process. Curator: Precisely. It reveals that art is not merely surface, but a history of choices rendered visible through scientific investigation.