Artwork

The Genealogical Tree of the Dominicans

The Genealogical Tree of the Dominicans, by Netherlandish 15th Century, ink, 1485
The Genealogical Tree of the Dominicans, by Netherlandish 15th Century, ink, 1485

The Genealogical Tree of the Dominicans is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Netherlandish 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Genealogical Tree of the Dominicans is a woodcut print, enhanced with hand-coloring, depicting a symbolic family tree of the Dominican Order with Jesus at its apex.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates the spiritual lineage of Dominican friars, tracing their connection to Jesus through a tree motif. The composition conveys a sense of unity and divine heritage among the order's members.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut with a tan ground, the piece features hand-colored accents in vermilion, rose, brown, and gray-blue, set against printed black lines. This technique creates a visually striking image, likely intended for educational and impressionable purposes.

Context

As a printed image, it was designed for dissemination, suggesting its role in promoting the Dominican Order's ideology and values to a broader audience, possibly within educational or devotional contexts.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts are not detailed, the work reflects the Order's efforts to visually communicate its spiritual foundations during its time, contributing to the tradition of using art for religious instruction.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Netherlandish 15th Century

Artist

Netherlandish 15th Century

These prints show Christ’s suffering in bold, hand-colored images from 15th-century Northern Europe.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.