Tree of Jesse 1455 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving of the Tree of Jesse in the late fifteenth century. This detailed print depicts the ancestors of Christ emerging from the body of Jesse, a visual representation of Jesus' lineage meant to emphasize his divine right to rule. Produced in Germany during a time of great religious and social change, this print reflects the cultural values of its time. The Holy Roman Empire's hierarchical society placed great importance on family lineage and the authority of the church, and prints like these were used to propagate conservative values. The imagery draws on biblical stories and the iconography of royalty to reinforce the idea of a divinely ordained social order. As historians, we can use resources such as period documents and religious texts to understand the cultural context that shaped the creation and reception of this artwork, reminding us that its meaning is rooted in its specific social and institutional context.