What do a Neoclassical family portrait and a Biedermeier painting of Venus have in common? Both the portrait of Caroline and Viktor von Tomatis by Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder (1751, Romeno – 1830, Vienna) and the painting Sleeping Venus with Cupid in front of a mirror by his namesake son Johann Baptist the Younger (1775, Trento – 1837, Vienna) were significantly overpainted. This In-sight exhibition traces how these major interventions altered the meaning of both works.

Through close technical and art historical investigation, the exhibition reveals the complex histories hidden beneath the visible surfaces of the paintings. By examining the layers of alteration accumulated over time, it sheds light on changing artistic intentions, conservation practices, and shifting perceptions of these works across different historical periods.

Bringing together scientific research and visual analysis, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the paintings as evolving objects rather than fixed masterpieces. In-sight demonstrates how restoration, overpainting, and rediscovery can fundamentally transform the interpretation of an artwork, offering fresh perspectives on the lives of two paintings and the legacy of the artists who created them.