X-radiograph(s) of "Double sided Crucifix" 

Curator: Looking at this X-radiograph of Guariento di Arpo's Double-Sided Crucifix at the Harvard Art Museums, I immediately see fragility. The ethereal quality of the image feels so vulnerable. Editor: Indeed. The X-ray exposes the crucifix's construction: the underdrawing, joins, and hardware, really foregrounding the labor involved in its creation. We see the choices, the hand of the maker. Curator: And I'm struck by how this process of revealing also invites a discussion about the hidden or invisible aspects of religious artwork, its role in articulating power dynamics, or even the way faith can be both a source of comfort and oppression. Editor: Right. By looking at the materiality, we can start a discussion about production, consumption, and even the socio-economic context of religious objects like this crucifix. Curator: It is powerful how something so seemingly scientific can also be so evocative. Editor: Absolutely. It makes us rethink the artwork's place in history.