X-radiograph(s) of "Madonna and Child" 

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "Madonna and Child" by Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis at the Harvard Art Museums. The image is mainly shades of grey, with many black dots and lines; it looks like a ghostly trace. What do you make of this piece? Curator: It makes me think about hidden narratives. X-rays like this allow us to see beyond the surface. How does uncovering what's unseen change our relationship with the artwork? Does it democratize art by revealing its secrets, or does it violate the artist's original intent? Editor: That’s an interesting point about democratizing art. I hadn’t thought about it in terms of access to hidden layers. Curator: Exactly. And what about the ethical implications? Are we, as viewers, entitled to this level of access, or does the artwork have a right to its secrets? Editor: These considerations definitely open my mind to the many layers of art history and their impact on contemporary audiences.