Looking For Info On a Continental School Early 20th Century Oil Painting

I recently purchased this unsigned oil painting from a UK art dealer; it was sold as a Continental school oil painting from the early 20th century. I have several questions!

1--Do you agree on the age assessment?

2--Does anyone have an idea of what the country of origin is?

3--Does anyone know if artists from this time period would have used models or photographs when painting?

If any can provide other details, I would love to hear from you.

Unfortunately, there are no labels or notations on the back of the painting. In the event this makes a difference, the frame is super heavy.
Art Size: 12.2" x 9.1" (31cm x 23cm)
Framed Size: 22.6" x 19.4" (57.5 x 49.3cm)

 

Sweet genre painting. Scene somewhere in Middle Europe, I'd think. Certainly looks 20th century but frame looks older. Artist's typically work from models because working from photographs can create curiously lifeless works with distortions.

Debora

 

My 'gut' is thinking from looking at the clothing, it might be more like mid 1800's, but my gut is capable of lying to me too....I LOVE it!!! I DO hope there's a lot more input on it!!! Debora is right....it IS very sweet!!!

 

Lovely scene.

The girl's dress, with the kerchief tucked into the bodice, is seen in parts of Germany, particularly the south.

Could be Munich School, a skilful painter but not one of the top names.

 

Someone knowledgable should be able to date the painting from the doll.

Debora

 

Calling @judy and @BoudiccaJones for the doll.

 

That's a great idea to use the doll to date the painting. Is anyone here knowledgeable in furniture? Maybe the chair could provide a clue too!

 

Chairs are rarely contemporary with the date of a painting, especially country furniture. But I will tag @Ghopper1924 for you.

 

Thank you! I didn't realize that.

 

Central Europe late 19th Century seems right: Switzerland, northern Italy, Bavaria, western Austria. Nice!

 

Antique dollies not my forte but to me looks late nineteeth/early twentieth. I am sure @judy will know more xx​