"In the Workshop" by Farquhar McGillivray Knowles is a painting steeped in tranquility and focused craftsmanship. It depicts an older gentleman, possibly an artisan or craftsman, engrossed in his work within a dimly lit workshop. Natural light streams through a large window, casting bright and warm sunlight onto the workbench and illuminating an array of glass bottles. These bottles, in various shapes and vibrant colours, create a stark contrast against the darker interior, drawing the viewer's eye to the center of the composition.

The man is seen in profile, with his silver hair and the details of his attire rendered in a realistic manner that suggests experience and dedication to his trade. The soft, diffused light highlights the textures of his clothing and the rough surfaces of the workshop, including the wooden workbench and the tools that lay scattered.

The workshop is a space of both creation and contemplation, and the placement of the figure near the window suggests a connection between the craftsman and the outside world. The overall atmosphere is one of serene concentration, where time seems to slow down, allowing the viewer to imagine the quiet sounds of the workshop and the meticulous movements of the man's hands.

Knowles' use of chiaroscuro, the strong contrast between light and dark, enhances the depth of the scene and focuses the narrative on the solitary figure. The painting is a tribute to the unnoticed moments of daily labor and the beauty found in ordinary tasks performed with care and skill.