This work was done by Lin Liang during his life from about 1416 to 1480 in China. Liang was a court painter during the Ming dynasty and specialized in bird and flower paintings. He was born in Nanhai in the Guangdong province and rose to become one of the leading court painters of the Ming dynasty. His painting of birds depicted them as heroic and symbols of courage and strength. Liang’s style was very unconstrained and featured sweeping scenes that were overlooked by the majestic figures of birds. Usually the birds in his works are placed high above the surrounding environment, as if they are surveying their territory, but in this work the hawks seem entangled in the branches and hidden from any outside view.
I have always though these types of chinese paintings were interesting. The foliage is detailed and realistic, but shadowed. The lines are sharp and really add to the feeling of a clean-cut scene. Although the hawks are not presented in their usual royal form they still seem very intense and powerful. It seems like the picture is displaying how an animal that is so representative of sweeping views can still feel imposing in a cramped scene. There is nothing much for the hawks to view, but the painting gives the feeling that at any moment they could break the calm and return to the sky. I like the lack of color and focus on the details of the figures, and how the birds seem so bold, even in an environment that wouldn’t normally imply that feeling.
November 21, 2009 at 12:06 am
First, let me say that I love your choice or artwork. You gave a great background on both the artist and the piece all incorporated into one. I like how you were able to make generalizations about his paintings and how he portrayed the birds. I have never thought of birds as necessarily courageous, heroic, or strong. More often people tend to focus on the fragility of the small animals but I like how Lin Liang thought of and depicted birds. You definitely included why you chose the piece which is really important. You can provide background on a piece until you are blue in the face but unless you share why the picture means something to you it all seems so sterile. You did a great job, I not only enjoyed your blog but I learned from it too. Thanks for Sharing!
November 24, 2009 at 2:08 am
This artwork certainly has had an enduring impact on the world. The art styles of the Asian countries has been as important in effecting global art as their food and cultures. The animals depicted here are certainly dominant in the work, they are center stage and strongly drawn. The hawks themselves are drawn beautifuly and I like your thought on their ability to break through the fourth wall and fly away. This painting seems like it should be part of a larger work though, like it should have accompanying panels to fill in the rest of the scene around it. Your information seems correct from what I could dig up, as with any painting this old I often wonder how it survived and if there are any reproductions floating about.
November 25, 2009 at 6:04 am
You did a great job with detailingn the artwork. You gave a brief, short and sweet background of the artist. I really liked how much you talked about the painting itself. There are many aspects of this painting that are very interesting, and you did a good job explaining why you thought they were interesting as well. It seems like you covered all the points needed. Great job!
November 25, 2009 at 8:03 am
You do an amazing job of analyzing the artwork and giving you insights and impressions about its meaning. You do a good job of revealing the background information as well, except, what is the title of the painting? I did not see it in your blog. I enjoy the painting, although it is not my favorite of those from the Ming Dynasty. I enjoy the detail but not the color, it seems dull and uninviting, which contrasts the detail of the painting. Interesting. Anyways, great job on your blog!