Eagles1368–1644 · Study 1915.710

Context from the museum

Two eagles, painted in fine brushwork, perch on top of rocks surrounded by water, flowering camellia, and other vegetation, brushed in sweeping and broad strokes. Among birds, a favorite subject in Chinese painting, depictions of eagles can be traced back to at least the fourth century. Due to dramatic sociopolitical changes during the foreign-ruled Yuan (1279–1368) and native Ming dynasties, an elaborate symbolic language of the eagle developed. It can represent a vicious attacker, a courageous hero, or an enlightened emperor. In this painting, the two eagles are depicted peacefully resting in a lofty position, perhaps an idealistic image for a wise emperor and empress.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting measurement for Eagles is 98.4 cm wide and 167.2 cm high, equivalent to approximately 38.7 × 65.8 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.59:1. The rectangular bounding area is 1.65 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 32.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 100.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Eagles in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Ink and color on silk panel, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 98.4 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?