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collectorheaven · ‎10-13-2023

Purchased this at a great local auction house, No signature. The plaque on the woman's chest has a word I can't seem to make it out, I purchased it because the subject matter felt so dark, at first glance it doesn't seem... as kind of terrible as it truly is. Any ideas as to origin?

collectorheaven · ‎10-15-2023

I didn't realize people were still commenting, I'm going to read on the canvas first I think that's a good place to start. There are a few really good textile experts in Albany, as well as the city so I've made a few calls. They will examine it for free, So you can't beat that. I purchased it because I liked it, Still like it regardless of from where or when. I tucked it away many months ago and forgot about it, I rediscovered it doing a clean out, and I'm taking advantage of my renewed interest. I got it for steal, and I like the process of identification. Thank you to all who were helpful, I get any information I will reach out to you because you showed a genuine interest.

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melda58 · ‎10-13-2023

It looks very amateurish to me and to read the plaque we'd need a close up.

Rita

selsa84 · ‎10-13-2023

Any way you could show a good close up of the edge where paint meets raw canvas? Doesn't look like an oil but the subject is interesting

collectorheaven · ‎10-13-2023

Yes, I will take additional. Canvas is extraordinarily thick. Thanks for your speedy reply.

collectorheaven · ‎10-13-2023

Enlarge #3. I have put what I think it is into Google and have come up with nothing, Perhaps I'm just seeing the letters incorrectly, Or maybe not. Seems too prominent to be just gibberish..but who knows? And yes, certainly not a Rembrant, It definitely has a particular style, I purchased it because it was different.

melda58 · ‎10-13-2023

It may not be English. If you could show a close up of just the plaque, someone might know.

Rita

maxine*j · ‎10-13-2023

This nay help someone:

collectorheaven · ‎10-13-2023

Thank you maxine! Not home to do so. Lifesaver. 😃

waxu_93 · ‎10-13-2023

may be come from The Bible "the book of revelation" chapter 17- 18

18:2 With a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.

i just feel Not necessarily right。😑

maeday76 · ‎10-13-2023

It says Heretic (poss. Heretici, lat. pl.) and I can't be sure, but it looks like the auto-de-fe of a particular martyr, saint or apostate. Likely the figure over her is a saint in the act of protecting her from the flames...but the clenched fist is an unusual element. As to the other figures, I really can't see well enough. I'm not even 100% that it's a burning, but all the elements are seemingly there, so I'm assuming. It almost looks like a shipwreck "raft" painting, like The raft of the Medusa.

The imagery smacks of mannerist works of approx. 1600s, and the label of "Heretic" (if it's not heretici) in English leads me to think it may be based on an original work depicting the persecution of Catholics during Henry VIII/Elizabeth I's reign. If I'm seeing it wrong and it's actually the Latin plural heretici, then all bets are off regarding place of origin. It could be based on a work from anywhere in Europe.

I'm sure it's specifically about the woman pictured - (and the propaganda value of her demise.) There are probably 60-70 English female martyrdom candidates of the era. The saint above her would also be a specific Catholic figure, as well. Assuming he's not an irate sports fan or an overly-caffeinated Jesus.

I would call this a work in grisaille, and is perhaps a study (cartoon) for a larger, color painting. That one probably has a signature.

Hope this helps.

M