Tree of Life

In a departure from typical representations of the Crucifixion, the Tree of Life incorporates a heavy emphasis on natural elements. Flora swirls around Christ and the nails that hold him to the cross resemble branches more than metal nails. Christ himself is resolute and stoic, his gaze lingering on an undefined point above the viewer's head. A fig tree grows at the figure's feet. Though the work is first and foremost a Crucifixion, it incorporates parallels to other biblical stories. In the book of Genesis, Adam stands under the Tree of Life, while Eve stands under the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The former tree offers eternal life, while the latter is the root of sin. As Christ is often understood as the second Adam, he symbolically represents eternal salvation through his crucifixion on the Tree of Life. The fig tree is a symbol of the Virgin Mary, the second Eve. Through the fig's position at Christ's feet, it represents the absolution of sin and forgiveness that can be found in accepting Christ's sacrifice. The artist, John Collier, is renowned for his religious works. He has received extensive awards for his religious sculptures, including a Bene Award from the Ministry & Liturgy Magazine for Tree of Life.

Collier, John. John Collier, HillStream. Accessed December 13th 2020. https://www.hillstream.com/artist/john-collier.

Collier, John. The Tree of Life, HillStream. Accessed December 13th 2020. https://www.hillstream.com/artist/john-collier/sculpture-gallery.

Meditation Gardens, Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Accessed December 13th 2020. https://sacredheartcocathedral.com/garden/.

Parish History, Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Accessed December 13th 2020. https://sacredheartcocathedral.com/parish-history/.