X-radiograph(s) of "Whitefield" 

Curator: Here we have an x-radiograph of "Whitefield," originally painted by Joseph Badger. It’s currently held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: At first glance, it's an intriguing composition of texture and tone. The lack of distinct imagery creates a subtle, almost meditative quality. Curator: Indeed. X-rays provide invaluable insight into an artwork's material history, revealing the artist's process and any later alterations or repairs. Editor: The layered effect, though unintentional, adds depth and invites speculation. What lies beneath the surface? Curator: Badger was a portrait painter active in Boston. Images such as this help us trace changes in artistic techniques and conservation practices. Editor: It’s a stark, ghostly view into layers of materiality. Curator: Yes, revealing the hidden stories embedded within a single painting. Editor: It allows us to see beyond the surface representation and understand something about creation and time.