X-radiograph(s) of "St. Nicholas" 

Curator: Here we see an X-radiograph of "St. Nicholas," part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Given its anonymous creation, the history of its display and attribution are fascinating. Editor: It's striking how the X-ray reveals the dense materiality of the paint. The stark contrast emphasizes the formal elements: the textures and the weight of the figure's gaze. Curator: The politics of displaying religious iconography have shifted drastically over time. An image like this becomes a focal point for understanding societal values about religion and art. Editor: Right, and the composition itself, revealed so brutally by the X-ray, directs our eyes to the figure's face. The artist knew how to command attention within the frame. Curator: Absolutely. Think about how many "St. Nicholas" images were created to reinforce social structures. Understanding the context helps us analyze its purpose within that framework. Editor: I see more than social structures. The X-ray shows us how carefully the artist layered and modeled the paint to achieve that lifelike quality, even if anonymous. Curator: Interesting, thank you. The history and formal elements really do create a powerful message. Editor: Indeed. It is an art piece with great form, even within its historical context.