The Tree of Life
Discover a work that reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the need for conversion
The Tree of Life (1653) by Ignacio de RiesThe Cathedral of Segovia
Exhibited in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, this work invites reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of conversion, featuring iconography that leaves no one indifferent.
Banquet in the tree
The overall scene shows a tree in whose crown a group of men and women enjoys a banquet, in which some of the seven deadly sins can be identified.
Christ
These people do not listen to Christ, positioned in the lower right, who warns them that their time in this life is running out while ringing a small bell.
Death
On the opposite side, death is depicted as a skeleton wielding a scythe that fells the tree, a clear allegory of the vanitas theme that dominates the canvas.
Demon and mouth of hell
In this scene, next to death, a small demon pulls on a rope to make the tree yield. At its feet, a flaming mouth represents Hell awaiting those who partake in the feast.
Moral of the story
In the sky, a verse warns: “Behold, you shall die; behold, you do not know when…”
“… / Behold, God is watching you; behold, He is watching you.”
Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral
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