Sun Pepped o'er the Hill 

Joseph Farquharson painted “Sun Pepped o'er the Hill,” capturing a winter scene dotted with sheep. Observe how the sheep, traditionally symbols of innocence and sacrifice, appear here almost lost, their dark forms stark against the overwhelming white. From ancient pastoral traditions to Christian iconography, sheep have been central, often representing followers or believers under the guidance of a shepherd. Consider the "Agnus Dei," the Lamb of God, a potent symbol in religious art. Yet, here, the landscape challenges this idyllic vision. The bleak, snowy expanse and the obscured sun introduce a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The landscape itself mirrors the flock’s uncertain path, reflecting a deeper, perhaps subconscious, anxiety about guidance and protection in a world that can often seem indifferent. The return to the flock motif demonstrates a human longing for spiritual grounding and connection. The persistence of this motif—the flock amid a challenging landscape—speaks to our collective psyche, echoing through time and art.