In this artwork, how is the abstract discussed?
The Shortening Winter's Day is Near a Close (1903) and its replicas -- The Shortening Winter's Day is Near a Close (circa 1903) and Beneath the Snow Encumbered Branches (name attached in 2008) -- are oil on canvas paintings by Scottish painter Joseph Farquharson. The iconic artworks depict a shepherd tending sheep with the evening sun shining through snowy trees.
The primary, and largest (117 x 171 cm), version of the composition The Shortening Winter's Day is Near a Close (Accession Number LL3152), is at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, in Port Sunlight, England.
The 82 x 120 cm version of The Shortening Winter's Day is Near a Close was last sold to a private collector in 2013.
The 51 x 76 cm version was last sold to a private collector in 2016 under the name Beneath the Snow Encumbered Branches.The image has become well known through the use of its likeness on popular Hallmark Christmas cards for over 30 years.
Port Sunlight Lady Lever Art Gallery Joseph Farquharson Hallmark