This started as a Phoenix, a story of reincarnation, rebirth, towards spiritual development.
Then, a protective element materialized. To me, this is both comforting and hopefully more accurate.
Subsequently, I learned that the Eagle has deep symbolic and spiritual meaning in multiple cultures. in Judaism, it symbolizes Profound Mercy, which is curious, given that this painting was created around Yom Kippur, where The 13 Attributes of Mercy play a pivotal role.