Joseph Farquharson (1846 -1935) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and died at Finzean, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is most famous for his works portraying sheep, and his finest works often include a human figure, men and women of Scotland going about their everyday labours are frequently depicted in dramatic landscapes. The painting, like Farquharson's other landscapes, was painted on his estate at Finzean. The shepherd in the painting was actually an employee of Farquharson whom he had asked to pose for the image.
Farquharson was most adept at capturing the warmth and light of sun rises and twilight. Nearly all the early works were inspired by his rural surroundings and he went on to make snow scenes his trademark.
Joseph Farquharson 'The Shortening Winter's Day is near a Close (Lady Lever Art Gallery) Oil on canvas.