Allegory on the Good and the Corrupt Tree

Description

The contrasting couples in this composition are meant to demonstrate virtuous and sinful love. On the right, a couple in luxurious fabrics embraces, sitting next to a tree rooted in a blackened heart and skull and with monstrous creatures on its thorny branches. To the left stand a man and woman clothed in light robes and holding hands beside a flowering tree, which sprouts from a white heart above the word “Christ.” The inscription reinforces the idea that spiritual love leads to salvation, whereas earthly desire leads to damnation. This print was engraved by Dutch artist Gillis van Breen after a design by Karel van Mander, another artist who belonged to the same social circle.

Allegory on the Good and the Corrupt Tree

Gillis van Breen

c. 1600

Accession Number

271908

Medium

Engraving in black on cream laid paper

Dimensions

19.3 × 28.5 cm (7 5/8 × 11 1/4 in.)

Classification

prints and drawing

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Charles Hack and The Hearn Family Trust