The Tree of Life
PrinterPrinted by
E.B. & E.C. Kellogg
(American, 1840 - 1867)
PublisherPublished by
E.B. & E.C. Kellogg
(American, 1840 - 1867)
Date1840-1844
MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 12 7/8 x 9 1/2in. (32.7 x 24.1cm)
Sheet (height x width): 14 1/4 x 10 1/4in. (36.2 x 26cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Dr. James S. Brust and Glenn Knox
Object number2011.84.0
DescriptionJesus Christ is crucified on a large tree in the center. Labels on the tree identify its twelve fruits and other virtues and benefits associated with it: "RESURRECTION" "Persev-erance" "Death" "Eternal / Redemp/tion" "Stripes" "Imprisonment" "Buffeting" "Security" "Reproach" "Prom/ises" "Shame" Righte/ousness" "Poverty" "Peace" "Good / Will" "Refuge" "Election" "Temptation" "Victory" "Pardon" "Fasting" "Circumcision" "Everlas/ting/ life""Baptism". The roots of the tree are labeled "Ominipresent" "Almighty" "Wise" "Just" "Holy" "Glorious" "Gracious". A triangle in the sky reads: "FATHER is not the SON is not the HOLY GHOST is not the [FATHER]... IS GOD." Men and women in the foreground bear labels indicating their trangressions "Usury" "Extortion" "Quacks". A man and woman in a horse-drawn carriage are labeled: "Pride / of / Life." Men and women drinking at a table at the right are labeled: "Chambering & Wantoness". Ministers expound the word of God: "Believe on the / Lord Jesus Christ" "Are not these / brands plucked from / the fire" "Behold the Lamb" "The end of these / things is death". A man cries "What shall I do to be saved." A door at the left opens on the "Bottomless / Pit" with devils with pitchforks among the flames. A skull and crossbones is above. A man flees the devils, crying "Save Lord or I perish." A woman seated nearby is labeled: "Babylon / Mother of / Harlots". An arched door in the background leads to the Tree of Life and a walled city beyond. A man stands by the door with a label that reads: "Knock / and it / shall be / opened." Trees, hills, and possibly a river are in the distance. In contrast to other versions of this subject by the Kellogg firm, all of the people are dressed in eighteenth-century costume.
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