The Carmelites and King St. Louis in 1248 1517

Jörg Ratgeb depicted The Carmelites and King St. Louis with paint. Here, we witness the king in the unmistakable red robes of sovereignty, amidst the more humbly garbed Carmelites. Observe the bare tree, an ancient symbol, reaching across the scene—a stark contrast to the lush foliage nearby. This barren tree isn't merely decorative; it speaks of mortality, of the transient nature of earthly life, yet, at the same time, it is a potent symbol of life, as the form of a tree echoes throughout cultural memory across time. In antiquity, we find variations of this tree associated with life and knowledge. One can even make associations with the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The symbolism persists, evolving through the ages, re-emerging in various contexts. Our collective memory and subconscious seem drawn to this form. Its continued presence reminds us of the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across historical contexts.