A masterpiece by the celebrated Italian painter Canaletto is going on show in mid Wales.

'The Stonemason’s Yard' will take centre stage at the National Treasures: Canaletto in Aberystwyth at the Gregynog Gallery in the National Library of Wales.

The exhibition is due to launch on Friday, May 10.

The narrative of the celebrated painting's survival during the Second World War will take centre stage at the exhibition.

'The Stonemason’s Yard’ found its haven within the depths of Manod slate mines as a 'refugee' from the bombings.

Its showcase now coincides with National Gallery's anniversary celebrations.

In celebration of this anniversary, the National Treasures project will place 12 pieces from the National Gallery’s collection in museums and galleries across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The exclusive showcase of a masterpiece in Wales will occur at the National Library.

Apart from the Canaletto masterpiece, the exhibition will also feature Welsh landscapes from the National Art Collection.

This will offer an exploration of artistic and thematic links between ‘The Stonemason’s Yard’ and the scenery of Wales.

Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, the library’s chief executive, said: "This promises to be a very special exhibition and we are extremely grateful to be working in partnership with the National Gallery.

"It is an honour to have one of Canaletto's masterpieces here.

"Displaying the work alongside some of the highlights of the National Art Collection in the library creates a great opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of the Welsh experience and the responses to that in art."

Mari Elin Jones, the library’s interpretation officer, said: "Working with the National Gallery on this exhibition to mark their 200th anniversary has been an incredible privilege.

"Being able to welcome Canaletto’s masterpiece back to Wales, after having taken refuge here 80 years ago, is tremendously exciting and we cannot wait to share with the public this fascinating story."

The exhibition will be open to visitors from May 10 until September 7.

An array of associated events and activities are reported to be shared through the Library's website in due course.