X-radiograph(s) of "John of Saxony" 

Editor: Here we have an x-radiograph of "John of Saxony" by Lucas Cranach the Elder. It's fascinating to see the image beneath the surface! What does this reveal to you? Curator: X-rays strip away the surface, leaving only the density of materials. Note the ghost of an earlier composition beneath John. It whispers of alteration, adaptation, and the artist's evolving intent. Cranach clearly reused a panel, perhaps for economy, perhaps for other reasons. Can you see the cultural memory embedded in the act of repurposing? Editor: That's a great point, I never would have considered that. It’s like an artistic palimpsest! Curator: Precisely! And what do you think it tells us about the value and status of images during that time? Editor: Food for thought! Thanks.