X-radiograph(s) of "Jean van Male" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Jean van Male," by Bartholomeus van der Helst. It's ghostly, like a peek behind the curtain. What can we learn from looking at this image instead of the painting itself? Curator: The X-radiograph unveils the painting's material history. We can see the artist's process, under layers, alterations made, and even the canvas's structure. This informs us about the socio-economic aspects of art production at the time; What materials were accessible? What was considered valuable enough to rework? Editor: So, it's not just about seeing what's there, but understanding the choices made. Curator: Exactly! It exposes the layered decision-making and resourcefulness that shaped the final artwork, and reveals the relationship between art and commerce. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It’s like the painting has its own hidden biography.