Study for At Freezing Point 

Joseph Farquharson, a Scottish artist, painted this oil study for "At Freezing Point", likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It shows a shepherd guiding his flock through a harsh winter landscape, a scene resonant with the realities of rural life in Scotland during that era. The visual codes here emphasize the vulnerability of both man and animal against the elements. Farquharson’s focus on naturalism connects to broader European trends in art which were, in part, a reaction to industrialization and urbanization. His paintings often idealized the hard work of rural agricultural workers, appealing to urban audiences who longed for a simpler and more authentic past. Understanding the cultural context of Farquharson’s work—the economic pressures on rural communities, the romanticization of the Scottish Highlands, and the art market's demand for sentimental landscapes—enriches our appreciation of the painting. Resources in social and institutional history can reveal how artists respond to their social conditions and the power of art to shape those perceptions.