X-radiograph(s) of "A Martyrdom of Two Saints" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "A Martyrdom of Two Saints" by an artist from the School of Simon Marmion, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It offers a unique perspective, doesn't it? Editor: It certainly does! My first impression is how the X-ray reveals the hidden structure, emphasizing the material reality of the artwork rather than its surface appearance. Curator: Precisely. X-radiography allows us to study the underdrawings and alterations, revealing the artist's process and the painting's evolution through time. It also helps conservators understand the painting's condition. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the wood panel itself. Seeing its grain and joins highlights the labor involved in preparing the material support, a crucial step often overlooked in discussions of "high art." Curator: And that labor speaks to its cultural context. The materials available, the traditions of panel making - all shaped the possibilities for artistic expression in Marmion's school. Editor: Absolutely. This image challenges the traditional art historical focus on authorship and iconography by centering the material production, craftsmanship, and inherent fragility of the piece. Curator: It's a reminder that even the most revered artworks are, at their core, objects made from earthly materials, subject to time and change. Editor: Exactly. Looking at this image reminds me that art is not just about what is seen, but how it is made.