June 8, 2011 In the spring of 2010 Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert underwent an unprecedented technical study at The Metropolitan Museum of Art that incorporated infrared reflectography, X-radiography, surface examination, and paint analysis. The results, which are presented in this lecture by Charlotte Hale, expand our understanding of the evolution and history of this spectacular, enigmatic painting. This lecture was made possible by the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation. This lecture was offered in conjunction with the special exhibition In a New Light: Bellini's St. Francis in the Desert, on view at The Frick Collection from May 22, 2011, through August 28, 2011.