X-radiograph(s) of ""Woodcutter" with lead white layer" c. 18 - 81

Editor: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Woodcutter" with a lead white layer attributed to Van Gogh. What strikes me is how it exposes the canvas's raw materiality. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This radiograph beautifully reveals the labor involved, stripping away the artistic illusion. We see the canvas weave and, crucially, the lead white underlayer, a material choice driven by cost and availability at the time. How does this impact your understanding of Van Gogh's practice? Editor: It makes me think about the socioeconomic factors shaping his art. It's no longer just about his genius, but also about material constraints and choices he had to make. Curator: Precisely. The lead white itself speaks to the industry supporting artistic production. Seeing it this way, do we still prioritize the artist's hand above all else? Editor: It's a good reminder that artmaking is always connected to broader economic and material conditions. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! It's crucial to appreciate the process as much as the final product.