We often marvel at the amazing technical skills of artists and artisans when visiting museums. Through interdisciplinary research, combining technical art historical research with scientific analyses and imaging techniques, we try to unravel the act of making in all its facets, idiosyncrasies, and of course secrecy. In this talk, Professor Erma Hermens will discuss this process of unravelling, discovery and wonder, through fascinating case studies, also demonstrating our limitations, despite all this technology, in trying to get under the skin of the artist and artisan.