The Tree of Life is an important symbol in nearly every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep in the earth, it dwells in three worlds- a link between heaven, the earth, and the underworld, uniting above and below. It is both a feminine symbol, bearing sustenance, and a masculine, visibly phallic symbol- another union.

Symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the union of heaven and earth, “Tree of Life” portrays a universal motif in a unique context of curlicues and gleaming gold leaf. Created by renowned Viennese Secession and Art Nouveau genius Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), the piece features the lavish ornamentation and gold embellishments prominent in his work. A forerunner of Modernism and the Art Deco movements, Klimt’s enormous creative influence still resonates in modern art, decorations and jewelry.

Gustav Klimt's Tree of Life is an important symbol in nearly every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep in the earth, it dwells in three worlds- a link between the Heavens, the Earth, and the Underworld, uniting above and below. It is both a feminine symbol, softly bearing sustenance, and a masculine, visibly phallic symbol- forming another union. Looking closely, the swirling, concentric branches draw us deep into the oil painting, where we see Klimt's painting, varied symbols therin, including geometric leaves and fruits, as well as flowers on the ground, that appear as eyes peering back at us. Of note is the gorgeous bird in the right center, set apart from all other detail by its darkness. Some say it is an owl, representing wisdom, or, more likely, a raven, representing death. As a print, the work is often split into three images, with the figure on the left titled, "Expectation" and the two on the right, "Fulfillment."