Artworks

“The first attempts to X-ray works of art were made in 1896, very soon after the original discovery of the rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen. Then in 1913–1914 the radiologist Dr. Alexander Faber undertook a systematic serial investigation and even applied to patent his method of X-raying paintings. Although there was some initial controversy about the usefulness and potential dangers of the process, it was soon accepted as harmless and has established itself since the 1930s as a standard method of art research and conservation. X-ray techniques are an indispensable aspect of current and newly developing art research.”

Caroline von Saint-George and Iris Schaefer, Wallraf Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud, Cologne, 2020