When x-ray scans revealed a hidden layer of paint under Johannes Vermeer's ‘Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window’ in 1979, art historians assumed that the artist had covered up part of his original depiction in favour of a blank wall. Nearly four decades later, however, forensic analysis would reveal that the overlay in question was of a different substance to the paint beneath it, confirming conservator Christoph Schölzel's theory that a section of the original work had been painted over after Vermeer's death.
Following a two year restoration project, ‘Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window’ is the centrepiece of this extraordinary exhibition where you will be able to see Vermeer's original depiction that had been covered up for over two centuries. This is the first time the work will be displayed outside of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden since the museum unveiled the fully restored painting to the public last August.
Beyond Vermeer, the exhibition will also feature roughly 70 masterpieces of the 17th century from the collection of the Old Masters Pictures Gallery in Dresden. Highlighted artists include Rembrandt van Rijn, Gabriël Metsu and Jacob van Ruisdael, who are considered among the most important pioneers of the Dutch Golden Age.