Winter Eagles

The eagle often symbolizes courage and bravery, virtues particularly prized by the cultural elites. In this painting, the subject has been enhanced by the inclusion of two eagles—implying “double heroes”—and by the depiction of the eagles fighting the chill of winter. Their fierce, glaring eyes and hunched, intent poses provide a riveting focal point for the painting.

Lin Liang was an exception among court painters of his time. Instead of the colorful and technically precise style commonly used for bird-and-flower paintings, he experimented with dark ink and freehand brushwork that resembled powerful calligraphic strokes. His paintings later became so popular that a workshop formed around him, with many followers copying his popular eagle paintings.