The tree as a symbol in art – What meaning lies behind the traditional motif?

tree has played a major role in art since the beginning of the time. Famous examples of this consist of, for example, in the tree of knowledge and the tree of knowledge .

In addition, the tree in art also understood as the axis of the world . Many art exhibitions take exactly these narrative strands on the subject. A special focus is often on the special relationship between tree and humans .

Trees can be found almost in the entire art history. If a closer look is taken, it quickly becomes clear that trees can be viewed from very different perspectives, namely, for example, as a symbol of inspiration and science or as a sign of the connection between human and supernatural .

But what meaning - or rather meanings - are actually in detail behind the traditional tree motif?

The diverse symbolism of the tree

Trees are considered a reliable companion in life . They donate oxygen, shadow and serve as a valuable resting pole when it is hectic in everyday life. In culture, the tree represents a strong symbol. It is understood as a sign of strength and strength, and it is also considered a scientist. In addition, the tree always surrounds something mystical. If there are ecological undesirable developments, the tree also serves as a harbinger.

People have understood the trees for several centuries as a symbol of their life with nature. Your own identity also often has references to trees. The topics that are related to the tree in art are therefore extremely diverse.

He can be understood as an ecological statement, he can express the rationally tangible and also be used as a source of spirituality. For this reason, the strong symbolism of the trees can also be used when it comes to giving a dear person a very special gift. More information can be found at https://baumgeschenk.de/ .

Tree motifs in art history: a brief overview

Tree motifs have a long and fascinating story in art history. From antique paintings to modern works of art, trees have always had a special meaning for artists. The closeness to nature and the cycle of life are just a few of the aspects that can be expressed with tree motifs in art.

Trees have always been a symbol of growth, seasonal death and revitalization. An integral part of the folklore and to this day a tree is a totem, a mystical away ancestor of a tribe for some ethnic groups. Holy trees had a magical force by nature. One could assume that part of this magic is inherited from the paintings with tree representations.

Different trees symbolize different qualities and underline the general meaning of a painting.

Symbolism in the early folklore

The structure of a tree was able to embody early views of the arrangement of the universe: the roots were considered an underworld, a tribe as earth and a tree crown as a sky.

Many of the folklore figures reached the sky by climbing the branches of the trees. For this reason, a tree has become a popular symbol - the tree of life - and integrated into art culture, since it is the basis for traditional ornament patterns for most ethnic groups.

Humanity achieved spiritual enlightenment and redemption, so to speak, and thereby reached the top of the tree of life. It is believed that the medieval representations of Christ, who is nailed to a tree, but not on a cross, are related to it.

Trees were of great importance in literature, especially in Christian literature. The tree of knowledge is mentioned again and again and there are countless books about trees and their meaning.

The tree as a religious and spiritual symbol

An early example of the tree as a religious or spiritual symbol is shown when Siddhartha embarks on a search for soul while sitting under the Peepal tree, which is now known a Bodhi tree While he is sitting under this tree, he has many revelations.

The art language of Christianity has originally recorded and transformed pagan symbolism. Since most of the believers were illiterate, they needed a clear representation of the details shown in the icons to understand the nature of the Holy Scripture.

As a result, a certain botanical manual been published. For example, the acacia symbolizes the chastity of the holy and immaculate virgin Mary; The almond indicates the coming of God; The cedar embodies the image of Christ; The chestnut stands for chastity; The elm is a symbol of generosity and commitment; The fir tree means patience; The lemon tree symbolizes love and loyalty; The olive tree symbolizes peace; An orange blossom is associated with innocence, chastity and generosity; The stick is a symbol of humility and holy passion; The pasture is associated with the Holy Bible.

The palm branch often adorns pictures of the allegories of victory and fame in honor of the winners and is associated with the victory. the palm is associated with redemption and life in paradise and is usually shown on the paintings of moving into Jerusalem.

In the background, a palm tree that symbolizes redemption is mapped in the painting "The Baptism of Christ" , which Andrea del Verrocchio and his student Leonardo da Vinci

The tree of life and its mythological-religious interpretations

The tree of life or world tree is a widespread symbol and myth motif in religious history. It is closely linked to the reinterpretation of tree cults and fertility symbolism as well as with creation myth and genealogy. The cosmic order is represented by the tree of life in numerous mythologies of various peoples.

As a world axis (Axis Mundi), the tree of life is in the center of the world and connects the three levels, earth and underworld. Its roots stretch deep into the earth and its tops or carry the sky.

In the Bible of the western world, the tree of life is the most common idea of ​​this tree, while it plays a major role in classical shamanism. The world tree is the center of the world and connects the real world with the former world in the original state that has not yet been separated from heaven. The shaman can connect to the creation center via the world tree and start a flight into the realm of spirits and gods.

The tree of life also serves as a resting place of deceased shamans, from which the soul leaves the body to get into the realm of spirits. In art, the tree of life is often portrayed as an ornament and has changed over time.

The whole tree was originally depicted, later only branches, stems or bouquets. These decorative elements are often represented together with Adam and Eve, animal pairs or growing out of a heart.

Trees as a motif in the romantic landscape painting

The romantic landscape painters of the 18th and 19th centuries were so obsessed with nature and heaven that the critic John Ruskin called the frenzy "modern cloud betting" .

They also saw topics to express the spiritual and give every tree and boulder a meaning.

As in the Victorian flower language, certain trees have their own symbolism. Reverend William Gilpin, an artist and clergyman, said that it was "no exaggerated praise to describe a tree as the greatest and most beautiful of all products on earth." In the form of the tree, artists found expression of life, death and the great hereafter.

"A Dialogue with Nature" includes works from Morgan’s's and from the Courtains Gallery in London and emphasizes this "cult of nature" . There are some of the meanings of trees in romantic art, which are addressed in the exhibition and in the landscape tradition of time.

Impressive examples of the tree in art

Giovanni Segantinis showed the tree in his work "The Evil Mothers", for example, in the form of a rather darkly addressed memorial, which indicates eternity as a punishment.

In contrast, the tree observes peacefully intimate events in the work of Emilie Mediz-Pelican "flowering chestnuts" . These examples make it clear that numerous different properties can be projected onto the symbol of the tree in art.

In 2014, Nilbar Güres the "Headstanding Totem" . This represents an extremely contemporary interpretation of a fable system, which maintains a very special connection to the tree. The intention can be understood, for example, to encourage people to deal with their environment more sensitive.

Tree symbolism - more current than ever before

Art that uses the strong symbol of the tree represents an invitation to deal intensively with spiritual ideas. There is always a relation to philosophical approaches or inspiring form findings.

The tree is particularly interesting in art in today's times, in which people are not only threatened by the climate crisis, but are also significantly exacerbated by clearing and forest fires. This is underlined by many works, for example, by consciously using sustainable strategies and materials

The important art motif can no longer be processed from a theoretical or art -historical perspective, but also promotes the discussion about the relationship between people and the environment.

After all, it was never as acute as today, in which conditions the future generations will live on.