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

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Man" from the Harvard Art Museums, by Hoyt. It's fascinating to see beneath the surface! What can we learn about the making of art from this image? Curator: We can analyze the material supports and the process of layering and revision. X-rays reveal the physical structure and underlying forms. What does this reveal about the relationship between labor, materiality, and the final product? Editor: So, it’s not just about the artist's intention, but also about the physical act of creation and the materials used? Curator: Precisely. It challenges the notion of art as purely intellectual, highlighting the skilled work and the inherent properties of the materials involved. It changes the way we think about the original "Portrait of a Man". Editor: That’s a different way of viewing art than I had considered before. Curator: Seeing art in terms of production, materials, and cultural contexts opens it up to broader conversations.