The title of this painting comes from Job 14, which says:
“At least there is hope for a tree
If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
and its new shoots will not fail.
[...]But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more."
At this point in his tale, Job is understandably feeling quite bleak. However at the end of the book, through the power of God, Job's health and fortunes are restored, just as, through the power of God, death itself will one day be overcome for all of us.
The tree is the tree of life and the wood of the cross. Jesus was cut down and was lifeless for three days, only to defeat death and spring back to life. In doing so he overcomes despair, and brings hope to all of us.
This is a beautiful painting which was hung at home for many years. It has always been a optimistic, joyous painting about rebirth and how, even when things may appear dead and desolate, there can still be hope for life and rebirth.
-Site Admin