The upcoming exhibition titled 'Vermeer: Girl with a Pearl Earring Exhibition Masterpieces of 17th Century Dutch Painting, A Miraculous Return to Japan' will open at the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art. It will feature Johannes Vermeer’s renowned painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' alongside his early work 'Diana and her Nymphs'. This early painting, created around 1653-54, is significant as it was originally thought to be by one of Rembrandt's disciples, but the restoration process in the late 19th century uncovered Vermeer's signature.

The exhibition is organized by Asahi Shimbun and ABC Television, and is part of a larger initiative to present Dutch masterpieces from the Mauritshuis museum in The Netherlands, which owns three of Vermeer’s works. Previous exhibitions, such as the one held between 2012-13, attracted approximately 1.2 million visitors, indicating strong public interest in Vermeer’s art. This summer’s exhibition could potentially draw similar crowds, showcasing not only Vermeer’s work but also pieces by other Dutch masters, enhancing the cultural exchange between Japan and Europe.

Additionally, other notable artworks displayed will include Jan Steen’s genre painting 'As Old Age Sings, the Young Play the Flute' and works by Paulus Potter and Maria van Oosterwyck. The exhibition is set to run from August 21 to September 27, with tickets going on sale in June, while more details can be found on the official exhibition website planned for announcement in late May.