X-radiograph(s) of "Card Players" 

Curator: Here we have an X-radiograph of "Card Players," originally by Caravaggio. The work is part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark grayscale immediately creates a mood of mystery and hidden truths. It’s fascinating how the familiar scene is rendered so alienating. Curator: Indeed. Caravaggio's original composition already deals with deception. The X-ray perhaps amplifies this, peeling back layers to reveal more than intended. Editor: The contrast of light and shadow seems even more pronounced here. You can see the textural qualities of the canvas and even the paint application. Curator: Consider the historical context too. The card game as a metaphor for life's uncertainties. The radiography itself adds a layer of modernity to the scene. Editor: Ultimately, this representation emphasizes the materiality and the process of creation, highlighting the image's physical presence. Curator: It certainly offers a unique perspective on a classic narrative. Editor: Agreed. It's like seeing a ghost of a story, made hauntingly tangible.