Gustav Klimt’s Medicine Reconstructed Through Artificial Intelligence
A Monumental Masterpiece of Vienna Secession Returns to the Josephinum
May 12th, 2026
The Josephinum, the Ethics, Collections and History of Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna, is currently presenting a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Klimt. Lost & Found.” This cultural event, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Austrian state-sponsored institutes, showcases the reconstruction of Gustav Klimt’s "Medicine," one of the famous Faculty Paintings destroyed in 1945.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the physical reconstruction of the monumental work "Medicine" (originally measuring 4.30×3.00 meters). This reconstruction was made possible through a high-profile collaboration between international art historians and artificial intelligence specialists. The project represents a significant act of cultural diplomacy, bridging the gap between historical heritage and modern technological innovation within the Austrian capital.
"Medicine" was originally commissioned by the Ministry of Education in 1894 for the Great Hall of the University of Vienna. It sparked a massive scandal in the late 19th-century elite circles of Vienna, as its depiction of Hygieia and the "river of life" challenged traditional academic views. The original was tragically lost during the final days of World War II when it was burned at Schloss Immendorf.
The current exhibition at the Josephinum utilizes the most advanced AI colorization and digital reconstruction techniques to restore the vibrancy of Klimt’s palette. By placing this work within the context of the history of medicine, the museum highlights the deep sociability of the turn-of-the-century Viennese elite and the evolving relationship between art, science, and the state.
This initiative underscores Vienna’s continued role as a global hub for cultural diplomacy, where state-sponsored cultural institutes preserve national identity while engaging in international scientific and artistic dialogue. The exhibition "Klimt. Lost & Found" remains open to the public at the Josephinum, offering a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of 19th-century mastery and 21st-century digital restoration.
