Tree of Life
Title of Art: Tree of Life
Artist: Pacino di Buonaguida
Art Form: Painting
Date of Composition: 1310-1315
Event: Crucifixion
Ritual Pose/Object: enthroned pose
Exhibit Institution: La Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (Gallery of the Academy of Florence)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0109
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 8, 2023
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The subject is inspired by the poetic composition entitled "Lignum Vitae" (The Tree of Life) by Bonaventura da Bagnoregio. The painter and illuminator, Pacino di Buonaguida, was a Saint of the Franciscan order and one of the most prominent artists in the early fourteenth-century Florentine style. The painting refers to the verse of the Apocalypse (22, 2) stating that the Tree of Life yields twelve harvests a year and provides man with the gifts of God.
Jesus Christ is shown crucified on a tree whose twelve branches are filled with medallions. At the base of the tree, stories from Genesis are illustrated, from the creation of Adam to the expulsion from Paradise, reminding us that Christ died on the cross to save humanity from eternal damnation. The register right above these scenes contains depictions of four figures: Moses, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, patron saint of the Covent of Monticelli, and Saint John the Evangelist. The medallions on the branches illustrate various episodes from the life of Christ, his passion, and glory. The image at the top depicts the Virgin and Christ enthroned amidst a multitude of angels, saints, and the blessed. Below these images, flanked by prophets Ezekiel and Daniel, a pelican rips open its breast to feed its young, symbolizing the love of Christ who died for the salvation of mankind.
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