Oil on canvas, quite large. No signature.

[collectorheaven]

 

 

  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? 

 

[sonomabarn67]

That's what we need is an expert.

[maeday76]

@collectorheaven Did you mean to give yourself the "best answer" solve? 

[waxu_93]

Well, because he is not satisfied with your answers and they doesn’t sound good to him.

[collectorheaven]

Yes.   I assumed that it was tantamount to solved. Figured that was the best way to stop the comments,  It's pretty much solved.   You were an incredible help! Many thanks. 

[sonomabarn67]

You don't want to stop the comments as more info can be very useful. Someone smarter than everyone else might read this thread. Happened before.

[maeday76]

@waxu_93 If I had to guess, I'd say it was most likely a preliminary work for another (possibly larger, probably color) painting. As a way to get the figures in place and make any changes to the composition in this early stage "mock-up."

Hope that was the answer you were looking for, Waxu. 

Mae