James, both images have their unique qualities. I like the first one for the warmth in his face but I don't like the bird without context. It doesn't look real and makes no sense to me.
So I prefer the second as although he is a bit more stoic, I like that we see his cane with the bird and I like seeing all the rings and the shirt cuffs with cufflinks. I also like his long hair - and don't think a haircut would suit him in the least. He's got a gorgeous head of hair and it suits him and his persona. So I would go with the second.
Maggie
Hi Maggie
Much appreciated comments! I think the context for the eagle is the person himself who dresses in a fashion to emulate the eagle. His hair does sort of represent the bald head of an eagle with its white feathers.
" Among the Pueblo tribes, eagles are considered one of the six directional guardians, associated with the upward direction, spirituality, and balance. The Zunis carve stone eagle fetishes for protection, ascribing to them both healing and hunting powers, and the Eagle Dance is one of the most important traditional dances held by the Hopi and other Pueblo tribes. In the mythology of some tribes, Eagle plays a leadership role (either as king of the birds, or as a chief who humans interact with.) In other legends, Eagle serves as a messenger between humans and the Creator. The golden eagle, also known as the "war eagle," is particularly associated with warriors and courage in battle, and it is golden eagle feathers that were earned by Plains Indian men as war honors and worn in their feather headdresses. (In some tribes, this practice continues to this day, and eagle feathers are still given to soldiers returning from war or people who have achieved a great accomplishment.) In some Northwest Coast tribes, the floor used to be dusted with eagle down at potlatches and other ceremonies as a symbol of peace and hospitality."
James