The Tree of Estates and Death in the Art of the Early Modern Period

The symbolism of the tree was very widespread towards the end of the Middle Ages and saw the abundant production of depictions of the Tree of Estates with its arrangement of various estates in its crown. The depiction of the Tree of Estates with Death, who very obviously aims at destroying this hierarchical order with its bow and arrow, is a variation of this motif, similarly to the Dance of Death, highlighting the equality of all in the face of Death. The meaningful connection between these two motifs can also be seen in the fact that the Tree of Estates is often depicted directly next to the Dance of Death. Such depictions can be found in graphic prints (for example in the two copper engravings by the Netherlandish printmaker Master with the Banderoles) as well as in wall paintings (Morella, Bern) and manuscripts.