X-ray reveals hidden Goya painting
Goya Self Portrait
One of the cool things about history is that it refuses to remain as “it was written”. Modern technology continues to increase our understanding of the past, even the relatively recent past of things an “untechnological” as art.
In this example, x-rays reveal that the Spanish painter Goya changed a work-in-process, perhaps in response to the changing political situation in Spain: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15018174.
Goya had ties to the French, who occupied Spain for a few years before withdrawing in no small part to the Spanish technique of “little war”, guerilla as it is called. The discovery of the changed painting adds depth to his story of survival during that tumultuous time.
X-ray techniques have been used to reveal the stages of work of other masters, as well as to authenticate paintings. Apparently Van Gogh painted over many of his own works. In his case though it might have been to save money on canvas.
It’s inspiring to note that even the very best did not simply produced full-blown works of art the first time brush met canvas. They sketched things out, explored alternatives and revised.