X-radiograph(s) of "St. Bertin Altar" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of the St. Bertin Altar, originally crafted by Simon Marmion. Editor: It’s a ghostly image, almost like an otherworldly landscape rendered in shades of gray. The composition appears dense and layered. Curator: Indeed, the X-ray reveals the underdrawing and the materials used in the altar's construction, offering insights into Marmion’s process. Look at the intricate web of lines and shadows. Editor: I'm intrigued by the contrast between the scientific nature of the X-ray and the sacred object it represents. Does this technical examination change our perception of the altar's original intent? Curator: It certainly adds another layer, prompting us to consider not only the finished artwork but also the unseen labor and materiality involved in its creation. Editor: Seeing the internal structure invites reflection on the social and economic conditions that supported the medieval workshop and the production of devotional objects. Curator: An X-ray is a peculiar lens through which to view history. Editor: A spectral dialogue between art and science.