X-radiograph(s) of "John the Baptist " and "Mary Magdalen" 

Curator: This is an X-radiograph of paintings of "John the Baptist" and "Mary Magdalen", originally by Hans Memling, at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark monochrome immediately evokes a sense of revelation, doesn't it? Editor: Indeed. It's almost ghostly, stripping away the color and surface to reveal the structure beneath. A fascinating glimpse into the artist's process. Curator: X-rays, of course, give us a look beneath the visible layers, allowing insight into the cultural memory embedded in the very materials. Do you notice the two circles? These could be signs of previously hidden symbolism related to the saints. Editor: I'm drawn to the composition itself. The stark vertical lines create a sense of rigid structure, but there’s a subtle asymmetry as well. It almost looks like a deconstructed diptych. Curator: These figures, John and Mary, are powerful symbols of repentance and faith. The x-ray hints at hidden aspects. Editor: It's intriguing to consider what is revealed and what remains concealed. Curator: This x-ray gives us a kind of access, and it prompts us to consider the enduring power of images and the stories they hold. Editor: Absolutely, it offers a unique perspective, prompting us to question our own assumptions about seeing and knowing.