X-radiograph(s) of "Portrait of the Royal Family" 

Editor: This is an X-radiograph of Robert Feke's "Portrait of the Royal Family," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The ghostly image reveals so much of the material history. What details of the composition stand out to you? Curator: The linear patterns are striking. Notice how the density varies, suggesting underpainting or perhaps alterations made by the artist. The structure, in essence, betrays its history. Editor: So, the visible lines and tones aren't necessarily representative of the final artwork? Curator: Precisely. The radiograph exposes the infrastructure of the painting. What do you make of the varying densities in relation to artistic intent versus physical reality? Editor: I never thought about analyzing art in this way, focusing on the material rather than the subject. Curator: Indeed, it offers a unique perspective. Materiality becomes meaning, revealing the hidden dialogue between artist, process, and time.