Venetian Carved Istrian Marble Formella or Relief Depicting the Tree of Life

Period: 1500-1600

Origin: Italy

Medium: Istrian Marble

Literature: These panels known as formella were used as decoration on Venetian palazzo above and between the arched windows. Some were saved relics, but many were picturesque examples of Renaissance workmanship expressive, and in many ways, like the Byzantine marble altar frontals of earlier times. In Venice the peacock, used in sculpture in preference to every other bird, is the symbol of the Resurrection. The medieval bestiaries had declared that the peacock did not decay after it died and so it became a symbol of immortality and resurrection. The bird was also the familiar of Juno, the Roman Queen of the Gods, and therefore became associated with the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Heaven. Her body was believed to have been assumed undecayed, like the peacocks, into heaven. The pomegranate carved to the top of the tree is a symbol of fertility and bounty, and a single one symbolises the Christian Church, as it has many segments and seeds within one fruit. The lions symbolising strength and majesty are the emblem of Christ. Believed to sleep with their eyes open they were also a symbol of vigilance as Christ was of the well-being of mankind.