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Picasso: The Artist's Studio

Understanding Picasso Through Conservation (UPTC)

Methods of Scientific Examination


X-radiography

X-radiography, or x-ray, is a technique used to discern what lies beneath a painting's surface. Doctors use the same technique to reveal internal details of the human body. X-radiography of a painting involves exposing the artwork to x-rays, or high-energy electromagnetic waves. The results are recorded on photographic film. During the process, some radiation passes through the object onto the film; some is absorbed by the object. The amount absorbed depends on several factors, including the energy of the radiation, the thickness of the paint layers, the chemical makeup of individual pigments, and the elemental composition of the support elements (ground, canvas, stretchers, etc.) Heavier, denser pigments block x-rays and thus appear lighter in x-radiographs. Consequently, flesh tones containing lead white appear lighter than areas containing earth pigments. X-radiography has become an invaluable tool for studying the early stages of a painting that are no longer visible to the naked eye. Damaged areas are often seen more clearly in x-rays.
X-radiograph of <I>La Vie</I>
X-radiograph of La Vie
<I>La Vie (Life)</I>, 1903<BR>Oil on canvas <BR>The Cleveland Museum of Art. Gift of the Hanna Fund 1945.24 <BR>[Cat. no. 5] <BR>©2001 Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
La Vie (Life), 1903
Oil on canvas
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Gift of the Hanna Fund 1945.24
[Cat. no. 5]
©2001 Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

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