X-radiograph(s) of "Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear and Pipe" 

Curator: The work before us is an X-radiograph of “Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear and Pipe,” currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The ghostly image, composed of layered greys, creates a palpable sense of unease. The textures appear so tactile, almost sculptural in their intensity. Curator: Indeed. This X-ray provides insight into the physical materiality of the artwork beneath the surface, hinting at the unseen labor and processes involved. Editor: I'm struck by how the composition seems to amplify Van Gogh's suffering; the bandaged ear becomes a focal point, a potent symbol of his fractured mental state. Curator: Perhaps, but the availability and cost of materials, the social conditions of image making, and even the accessibility of X-ray technology become equally important considerations for understanding the image. Editor: I concede that. Still, the raw emotionality conveyed through the stark contrasts is undeniable. Curator: A compelling reminder of the hidden stories embedded within every artifact, both physical and societal. Editor: And a rather unconventional way of looking at a familiar work.