X-radiograph(s) of "Madonna and Child with St. John" 

Editor: This is an x-radiograph of "Madonna and Child with St. John" by an artist from the School of Botticelli. It's fascinating to see the painting stripped down to its bare bones. What can we learn about the construction of the painting from this? Curator: The image presents a unique opportunity to analyze the underdrawing and layering techniques, doesn't it? Note the density variations. What does that suggest about the artist's process in building up form and composition? Editor: So, the varying densities might reveal changes in the composition as the artist worked? Curator: Precisely. It allows us to deconstruct the image, moving beyond the surface to understand its formal evolution. The materiality itself becomes part of the narrative, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, I see how the x-ray reveals so much about artistic choices. I hadn’t thought about it that way before!