Qi Baishi (1864-1957) is one of the most iconic figures in modern Chinese art history. He significantly broadened the themes of traditional Chinese literati painting, incorporating subjects that had previously been overlooked and often employing puns and double meanings. This not only made his work more accessible but also brought Chinese painting and calligraphy closer to everyday life. The sculptor Isamu Noguchi studied painting under Qi Baishi in Beijing; this helped to spread Qi’s techniques and influence to the United States.

The piece is a grand painting featuring a pine tree and an eagle, which Qi Baishi gifted to General Wang Zuanxu (1886-1960) of Sichuan province. The strong, vigorous tree trunk and the meticulously depicted pine needles reflect Qi Baishi’s mastery of brushwork. The detailed portrayal of the eagle, especially its posture and sharp talons, exemplifies Qi Baishi’s lifelong, keen observation of nature, all while exuding a distinct Eastern expressionist style.

齐白石（1864-1957）是中国近代艺术史上最具代表性的画家之一，他将中国文人画的主题进一步拓展，包含了很多前人未曾入画的主题，并广泛使用双关含义，不仅让其作品的含义更加一目了然，也更使得中国书画更加贴近日常生活。野口勇在北京跟随齐白石学画的经历，更是让齐白石的作品及绘画方式远传美国。本幅《立高声远》是齐白石送给治园将军王缵绪（1886-1960）以松鹰为主题的巨制。其爽快雄健的树干与根根分明的松针无不透露出齐白石在用笔上的追求，老鹰的身姿与猛禽利爪的细节描写体现了齐白石一生对自然的细致观察，整体透露出浓厚的东方表现主义特色。