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I can't access the lectern in chanel's room during the quest?

You mean open it? As far as I know the lectern is just an activator during the clue-finding stage, rather than the usual container.

exactly, but it won't open for me during the investigation, and i'm not sure why. I can't activate the painting either? so what gives?

It shouldn't open. Did you not get the journal update for activating it? If not, are you sure you exhausted your dialogue options with the countess?

You have to do things in order on that quest, so if you are too early trying (have not talked to everyone and activated the muddy footprints etc.) you can't activate the lectern or the painting yet.