'The Pawn Shop Entrance'

In September 2006, Paul Naras from Toronto, Ontario, sent me four photos of the above painting with the following comments:

"A young woman is standing by a pawnshop door (although you cannot discern this from the photo - there is faint writing over the entrance in the painting which points to the factor that this is indeed such a business establishment).

The lady in question is fingering her wedding (or engagement ring) and the look on her face is enigmatic/sorrow-laden/wistful. She is obviously thinking of pawning her ring. And, we are left with questions. Has her husband died and is she in dire straits financially? Has he cheated on her? Is she only engaged and, again, dealing with an untrustworthy or philandering suitor? Is she on the verge of escaping an abusive husband and selling her ring because this is the only way she can obtain a few pounds to flee her melancholic existence?

The artist has left an obvious clue - since in the upper right corner we see parts of old posters on the pawnshops exterior - and one of them contains the words "BROKEN HEART".

The painting is dark and tragic. it is also magnetic, captivating and poignant for who could possibly not empathize with this beautiful young womans plight?"

The painting was willed to Paul by an aunt who brought the painting from England to Canada shortly after World War II.