Dear Ellen - Thank you for taking the time to submit this oil on canvas painting to Mearto. This piece is by John Ward Dunsmore (1856 - 1945, American, French). At the time of your painting, this American was studying in France at the Petite Ecole with Aimee Millet and privately with Thomas Couture. He exhibited in the National Academy for the first time in 1879. He's a rather immensely talented artist. Your piece is likely a preparatory sketch / study for another work but which, I do not know. At auction his pieces sell in the $200USD - $400USD range (although larger works have sold for $5KUSD). Once in a gallery yours would likely be between $400USD to $800USD. This piece would likely sell higher if we knew who it was or what is was intended for. Do let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Sincerely,
Erin-Marie