Edelsmidboeket met drie grote takken before 1647

This image shows an ornamental bouquet with three large branches by Gédéon Légaré. The floral arrangement, particularly the stylized tree-like form, echoes the ancient motif of the Tree of Life. This symbol appears in numerous cultures, representing immortality, knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all things. From the sacred trees of ancient Mesopotamian art to the biblical Tree of Knowledge, its roots delve deep into the collective human psyche. In earlier periods, the tree was depicted more naturally. Here, it has become a symmetrical design: the natural world transformed into abstract art. This evolution reflects a cultural shift, perhaps mirroring a move towards more structured ways of thinking, yet retaining the original deep-seated human fascination with nature. This image is a testament to the persistence and transformation of symbols across time.