Is it a print or a painting?

Hi,
This was my Mom's. It's unsigned. I always assumed it was a painting because it looks like canvas on the back. I always like the sitter's face.

But a friend said, there's no visible brushstrokes, maybe it's a print. That threw me for a loop, how could it be a print on canvas?

 

Seems strange that the canvas would be repaired if it was a print. It might be flat if the painting was re-lined or the painting stabilized. Do you have a magnifying glass? If so, see if you see any pixilation that would determine if it was a print.

 

Looks like a painting to me. 1860s-ish.

Debora

 

painting...& I think she has a glass eye !!

 

It's stretched a bit loosely on the frame, you can see the ripples. Is there anything I should do to protect or conserve it?

 

keep it out of the sun....
r u in a humid place..?... the dry air will stretch it somewhat..!

It's a fine painting and even from an artist who could paint hands...!!!

 

As above. The less fussing with it the better.

Debora