X-radiograph(s) of "Tommaso Inghirami" 

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have an X-radiograph of Raphael's "Tommaso Inghirami." My first impression is of a fragmented, almost ghostly visage. The high contrast accentuates this. Editor: It's fascinating how the X-ray reveals not just the portrait but also the history embedded within the painting. Inghirami, a figure celebrated for his oratory, becomes a site of investigation. Curator: Indeed. Look at how the radiation penetrates the layers, exposing the underpainting. This offers a glimpse into Raphael's process, his adjustments to form and line. The formal elements themselves tell a story. Editor: But it's a story that's inseparable from the historical context. Inghirami's identity as a public intellectual, his role within the papal court—these elements inform our understanding of why Raphael chose to depict him in this way. Curator: Agreed, but let's not overlook the composition. The symmetry, the gaze directed at the viewer, it all contributes to the work’s structural integrity and balance. Editor: This artwork is like an excavation, unearthing layers of meaning. It brings the unseen to light, raising questions about representation, power, and identity. Curator: A compelling reminder of the power of art to transcend mere likeness. Editor: And to reveal the complex, often obscured, narratives that shape our world.