The Sun had closed the Winter Day Joseph Farquharson (1846-1935)

Here we observe a wintry landscape bathed in the warm glow of a setting sun. The composition is dominated by a snow-covered field leading towards a dense thicket of trees that occupy much of the left side of the frame. A flock of sheep, rendered in muted greens and whites, occupies the foreground, their forms blending with the surrounding snowdrifts. They appear to be moving purposefully along a barely discernible path, suggesting a return to shelter as daylight diminishes.
A solitary figure, presumably a shepherd, stands near a wooden gate, his presence small against the vastness of the scene. He is positioned slightly apart from the flock, observing their movement with an air of quiet responsibility. The gate itself serves as a visual marker, delineating a boundary between the wild expanse and a more cultivated space beyond.
The light source, situated high in the upper right quadrant, casts long shadows across the snow, creating a sense of depth and emphasizing the texture of the landscape. The trees are silhouetted against this radiant backdrop, their bare branches reaching upwards like skeletal fingers. The color palette is restrained – primarily composed of whites, grays, browns, and subtle greens – contributing to the overall mood of tranquility and stillness.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of pastoral life and the cyclical nature of seasons. The sheep’s movement implies a rhythm dictated by natural forces, while the shepherds solitary figure suggests a connection to tradition and the land. The setting sun symbolizes closure and transition, hinting at the end of a day and the approach of night. There is an underlying sense of melancholy present in the scene; the fading light and bare trees suggest a period of dormancy and waiting. The composition’s emphasis on natural elements fosters a feeling of peace, but also acknowledges the inherent solitude and quiet labor associated with rural existence.