X-radiograph(s) of "Royal Sisters, Mary and Elizabeth" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of John Singleton Copley's "Royal Sisters, Mary and Elizabeth," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a peek beneath the surface, literally. Editor: It looks like a ghostly apparition. The texture is captivating, a rough grid overlaying the delicate features of the figures. Curator: Exactly. It’s fascinating to see the canvas structure laid bare. X-rays like this provide critical information about Copley's process, any later alterations, the materials used, and the painting's conservation history. Editor: And think of the cultural implications! Radiography in art speaks to our scientific age, pulling back the curtain on artistic creation. I'm intrigued by how this removes any aura of perfection. Curator: Yes, it democratizes the artwork somehow, revealing the nuts and bolts of its construction. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the artist's technique and the object's life beyond its creation. Editor: It's a testament to the art historical field itself – a new way of seeing the old masters. Curator: Indeed, a reminder that art history evolves alongside science and technology.