The "Exhibition of Vermeer and 17th-Century Dutch Painting from the Dresden State Art Collections" is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum from Thursday, February 10, 2022, to Sunday, April 3, 2022.

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) is a representative painter of 17th-century Holland, beloved worldwide for his realistic and meticulously composed spaces, and his masterful use of light and shadow. The "Exhibition of Vermeer and 17th-Century Dutch Painting from the Dresden State Art Collections," held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, features the first public display outside its home institution of Vermeer's early masterpiece, 'Woman Reading a Letter by a Window,' following its restoration. Vermeer is known for his small oeuvre.

In a 1979 survey, it was discovered that a painting of Cupid was depicted in the background of 'Woman Reading a Letter by a Window.' For a long time, it was believed that Vermeer himself had painted over it. However, a restoration project by a team of experts, which began in 2017, revealed that this overpainting was done by someone else after Vermeer's death, and the painting has been restored to its original appearance as envisioned by Vermeer.

The exhibition will also showcase videos and panels documenting the restoration process, capturing the careful removal of the overpainting layer and the gradual reappearance of the hidden image.

The exhibition centers on the valuable collection of the Saxon Elector, which led the Dresden State Art Collections to acquire this masterpiece. It also features approximately 70 exquisite works from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterpieces by Vermeer's contemporaries such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Gabriël Metsu, and Jacob van Ruisdael.

Furthermore, the exhibition will feature collaboration merchandise with brands and characters connected to Holland, where Vermeer spent most of his life. To enhance the enjoyment of the art, special collaboration items will be available, including Vixen monoculars adorned with Vermeer's designs, a plush toy of Miffy – born in Holland – dressed in an outfit and posed to replicate 'Woman Reading a Letter by a Window' with gold embroidery, and Meissen mugs and coffee cups from the renowned porcelain manufactory established in 1710 by order of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony. These various special collaboration goods will be sold at the venue.