The Tree of Jesse

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

naive art

painting painterly

painting art

mixed media

watercolor

Geertgen tot Sint Jans's *The Tree of Jesse* is a complex and detailed work depicting the genealogy of Jesus Christ. It's a popular theme in art history, where a stylized tree symbolizes Jesus's ancestry, with figures representing the lineage from Jesse, the father of King David, to the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus at the top. The image is characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant colors. The figures are arranged in a cascading effect, flowing downwards from the holy family. The composition is balanced by a garden setting and architectural details, highlighting the richness of the composition and the skill of the early Netherlandish artist.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Pictured here symbolically is Christ’s family tree. It grows out of the sleeping figure of Jesse, forefather of a line of kings that included, according to tradition, Salomon, David and Jesus.The branches are filled with the kings of Israel, among them King David with his harp. At top, the Virgin is enthroned with the Christ Child on her lap.