X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of a Man"

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of "Portrait of a Man" by Joos van Cleve, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s fascinating to see beneath the surface of the painting. What does this kind of technical image reveal about the art's history and production? Curator: X-radiographs offer a peek into an artwork's construction, revealing underdrawings, alterations, and even previous paintings beneath the visible surface. This provides insights into the artist's process and the painting's history as an object. Are there signs of damage or repair? Such things impact its reception and meaning. Editor: I see some interesting layered textures and patterns. It’s more than just a portrait. Curator: Indeed. X-rays invite us to consider the artwork as a physical artifact, subject to time, intervention, and cultural forces. Editor: That definitely gives me a different perspective!