A lot of exceptional interest.

The article discusses the upcoming sale of a work by the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer at Sotheby's London. Until recently, the painting's true identity was hidden, but "A Young Woman Seated at the Virginals" has now been fully restored, and is the first work by the artist to be sold in over 80 years. This is one of only two Vermeers still in private hands (the other belongs to Queen Elizabeth), and is likely to be the last to come on the market for a lifetime. Admiration for the 17th-century Dutch master's work has spread since the publication of a novel based on one of his best-known works, "Girl with a Pearl Earring". The novel's author, Tracy Chevalier, will attend the auction. Whoever purchases the painting will be aware that Vermeers make appealing targets for thieves. Likely bidders for the work could include museums without a Vermeer, the city of Delft, which is desperate to show a Vermeer in his home town, or a billionaire collector.