Veneer of mystery over a Vermeer

“Young Woman Seated at the Virginals” -- a tiny painting by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer that an anonymous bidder bought for $30 million in July at a London auction -- has resurfaced at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But the identity of the owner remains a mystery.

The museum will say only that the painting is on loan from a private collector. Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, whose name has been bandied about in the press as the most likely buyer, isn’t talking.

Some pundits say Wynn probably isn’t the owner because he usually makes no secret acquisitions and displays his collection in his offices and casinos. But others note that the Philadelphia loan runs through the end of March -- until just before the April opening of Wynn’s new casino hotel, Wynn Las Vegas, which will have an art gallery. Inaugurating the gallery with one of only 36 existing paintings by Vermeer would certainly make a big splash.