X-radiograph(s) of "Horse" 

Curator: This is an x-radiograph of "Horse", originally by Aelbert Cuyp, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Seeing the painting stripped bare like this is rather fascinating, isn’t it? Editor: It is! Ghostly, almost. You lose the color and texture, but the equine form still carries weight, doesn't it? Horses, throughout history, symbolize power, freedom... Curator: Precisely! And that association is crucial. Cuyp's images of the Dutch landscape often included horses as markers of status and wealth, reflecting the social structure of the time. Editor: The x-ray reveals something deeper, though. A hidden vulnerability. The animal's raw essence, free of its symbolic trappings. It also makes you think about the layers of history... Curator: ...and how museums now utilize imaging technology to investigate and preserve that history, offering new insights into the artist's process and materials. It’s a step forward in our comprehension. Editor: Yes, stripping away the surface to find enduring power. Fascinating.