The Tree of Man's Life

c. 1637 or after

John Goddard, after Richard Dey

Associated Names
John Goddard

Artist, English, active 1645/1671

Robert Walton

Publisher, English, 1618 - 1688

Richard Dey

Artist After, English, active 1637 - 1639

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 50.7 × 38 cm (19 15/16 × 14 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1950.17.85


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q65360266

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