Huang Shen’s swift painting style is reflected in his writing. While the vertical line in running script style calligraphy (caoshu) counterbalances the eagle on a tree trunk, the vine twisting its way up continues the fluency of the brushwork, creating a superb composition. The rendering of eagles is exceptional in his work.

A native of Fujian, Huang Shen came to Yangzhou in 1724 to make his living as a painter in a city of wealthy merchants. Huang needed years to develop a style that met the taste of his clients. He eventually became known as a figure painter and as one of the Eccentrics from Yangzhou, a group of local artists known for their unorthodox painting style. According to his inscription, Huang executed this painting at age 69, two days before the Lantern Festival in 1755.