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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

National Gallery of Art

  • Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    East building

    Must-Sees at the National Gallery

    Make the most of your visit

    Learn more

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

  • Support
  • Shop
  • Become a Member

  • Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    East building

    Must-Sees at the National Gallery

    Make the most of your visit

    Learn more

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

  • Support
  • Shop
  • Become a Member

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  • Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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    3. Richard Dey

    Richard Dey

    English, active 1637 - 1639

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    Artwork

    This is a drawing of "The Tree of Man's Life," which symbolizes various stages and moral conditions of human life. The artwork features intricate details with branches representing virtues and vices. The tree is depicted at the center with roots in moral and natural foundations and branches extending to different outcomes. Key images include a skeleton symbolizing mortality and a central motif of "Christ" at the top representing a spiritual connection or goal. The drawing contains text, symbolic illustrations, and allegorical elements conveying a moral and spiritual message, typical of historical emblem books and moral texts.
    John Goddard, Robert Walton, The Tree of Man's Life, c. 1637 or after, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1950.17.85

    The Tree of Man's Life

    The Tree of Man's Life

    John Goddard, Robert Walton · c. 1637 or after · engraving ·  Accession ID  1950.17.85

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