Image series 33 / 2026: X-ray Technology in Art
The Invisible Becomes Visible
10 August 2026
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By: Bettina Pfleging
On 8 November 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen first consciously observed X-rays – a phenomenon previously unknown – in his laboratory in Würzburg. This groundbreaking discovery has fascinated scientists and artists ever since. In X-ray analysis of works of art, the rays reveal the deepest layers of paintings, showing original sketches, overpainted versions or entirely different subjects. Alternatively, they bring to light delicate structures that would otherwise remain hidden from view.
Spanning 6,000 square metres and featuring artworks, artefacts and installations by 79 artists from 27 countries, the exhibition is a comprehensive exploration of the phenomenon of X-rays and the cultural and artistic perspectives offered by the X-ray gaze.
„X-RAY. The Power of Roentgen Vision“
9 November 2025 to 6 September 2026, Weltkulturerbe Völklinger Hütte
Sigmar Polke. X-Ray of Goya’s “The Old Women”, Ausschnitt; Digitale Diathek, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Institut für Kunstgeschichte
Queen Elisabeth I, X-ray mosaic clearly showing that the panel has been reused and that a portrait of a woman lies beneath the image of Elizabeth, Ausschnitt; ConedaKOR Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Kunstgeschichtliches Institut
Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen. Die beringte Hand Bertha Röntgens; fotografiert mit Röntgenstrahlen, Ausschnitt, 1895; DILPS Bilddatenbank UdK, Universität der Künste Berlin
Helmut Newton. X-Ray, French Vogue, Paris, Ausschnitt, 1994; Imago, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Institut für Kunst- und Bildgeschichte
Meret Oppenheim. Röntgenaufnahme des Schädels, Ausschnitt, 1964, Papier, 25,5 × 20,5 cm, Bern; ArteMIS, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Kunsthistorisches Institut
Isa Genzken. X-Ray, 2/3, Ausschnitt, 1991, je 100 × 80 cm; Mediathek, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Institut für Kunstgeschichte
Walter König. Röntgenaufnahme: Frosch, Belichtungsdauer 7 Minuten, 1896, Glanzkollodium (Bromarytpapier), auf Untersatzkarton, 22,4 × 16,3 cm, Wien; Sammlungen Online Albertina, Albertina Museum Wien
Arie van´t Riet. It’s All X-ray Scene 2, Ausschnitt, 2025; Upload-Datenbank, prometheus – Das verteilte digitale Bildarchiv für Forschung & Lehre
