Autumn Leaves and Birds

Said to be expressions of his innocence and shyness, little birds perching on tree branches is a favoured and recurrent subject matter in Lin Fengmian's works. Sixteen birds sit atop of tree branches, consciously scattered throughout the painting in an organized manner: in similar size and shape, the leaves are of the same autumnal colour tone, complementing birds of variously postures, facing each other or looking directly at the viewer. Such alignments of form, colour and lines produce a natural rhythm, order and harmony.