Featured Jules Breton 19th Century Painting

I bought this oil on canvas recently and I'm trying to figure out when it was painted. I contacted the expert on Breton but I haven't heard back yet. I do believe it to be a real painting by him but I'm always cautious and look for other opinions. It is on a Moirinat canvas and is 24 x 15 inches and is signed Jules Breton lower left.

http://cubeupload.com/codes/17db74

 

When you say "expert," do you mean the author of Breton's catalogue raisonné?

https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300095753/jules-breton

Debora

 

This gives information on how Breton's style evolved over his career. According to the author, he painted single, life-sized figures towards the end.

https://rehs.com/Jules_Breton_Bio.html

Debora

 

yes but the catalogue raisonne is not out yet. I have that book that is featured in that link. It came out about 15 years ago or so.

 

Wasn't my question. Was the author of the above book the "expert" you contacted? (She's also the one assembling the catalogue raisonné.)

Debora

 

I wrote yes

 

As far as I can tell from these pictures, it looks like a painting to me. Based on the execution, may be a "sketch" painting for a larger more accomplished work.