X-radiograph(s) of "Berkeley Family" 

Curator: Here, we observe an X-radiograph film, measuring 14 x 17, of the painting "Berkeley Family", attributed to John Smibert, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The piece feels spectral, like a ghost captured on film. Editor: Indeed. The monochromatic scale emphasizes the materiality of the artwork, revealing the structure of the piece. The contrast allows us to examine the composition. Curator: The texture is so striking; you can almost feel the weave of the canvas and the layers of paint beneath. It strips away the color and leaves only the bones of the artwork, doesn't it? Editor: Precisely. I find myself reflecting on the original artist's intent versus this new perspective. We get to see through their creation, in a sense. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life of a painting, beyond what the artist ever intended. Editor: It redefines what we consider an artwork.