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)
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
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.
Object number2011.84.0
InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "THE TREE OF LIFE. / Which bare [sic] twelve manner of Fruits and yielded her Fruit every month and the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations. Rev. Ch. XXII v.2. / Likewise a View of the New Jerusalem and the present Evil World with the Industry of Gospel Ministers in endeavoring to pluck Sinners from the Wrath to come." On verso, lower left, in pencil, accession numberNotesSubject Note: The direct visual source appears to be an eighteenth-century British print (British Museum Satires 4570) (Finlay 3/18/2011)
Collections
- Kellogg Brothers Lithographs
On View
Not on view
