(Nuns in the cloister work room)
Henriette Browne, 19th century
The placement of the four nuns gives us a great sense of depth, and the washbasin on the right helps to anchor the painting. Dim rooms remind us that it could be rather dark inside without electricity, and the large (starched?) hats jump out as rather period-specific.
Naturally, it's painted by a woman. Henriette Browne seems to be the pseudonym of traveller and French diplomat's wife Sophie de Bouteiller.