The Tree of Life

This colored print shows a large “tree of life.” This natural tree also symbolizes the wooden cross of the crucifixion, as its trunk holds an image of Christ. The branches contain about two dozen words which denote Christian sacraments, practices, and virtues. Above the tree, is a triangle symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

The idealized city of "New Jerusalem" is depicted in the background behind the tree. In the foreground, is a crowd of people representing this present "Evil World.” Men and women are portrayed as searching for salvation amidst a world full of vices such as drunkenness, prostitution, and violence. Two quotations from Scripture appear beneath the title.

There is no information available about the lithographer of this print.

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This page was imported from Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Released by the Smithsonian Institution under CC0 through Smithsonian Open Access.

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