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

Editor: So, this is an X-radiograph of Ferdinand Bol's "Portrait of a Young Man." It's fascinating to see a painting analyzed in this way. What does looking at the materials and process through this lens reveal to you? Curator: Notice how the X-ray exposes the underpainting and the support structure of the canvas. The different densities point to the layered application of materials and the labor involved. What does this tell us about the original intent versus the current state? Editor: It shows us the hidden history, the artist's choices, and maybe even later interventions. I guess thinking about the layers makes it more than just a pretty picture. Curator: Precisely. It brings the means of production and the consumption of art into sharp focus. We’re really seeing the materiality of art here. Editor: I never thought about it that way. That's a great perspective.