Cedrus Amplexu - new painting of juniper branches with beautiful antique German crock pot

Cedrus Amplexu by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

In process

This was fun to paint. I fell in love with the dark glaze on this wonderful antique german pot upon discovering it near a packing crate in a specialty antique store.

Cedrus Amplexu
(Cedar/Juniper's Embrace)
oil on linen
by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff
16x20
Available soon at Broadway Gallery


Hidden Meaning: The Juniper here represents fresh new life - juxtaposed with this crock found in Germany that is believed to be at least 200-250 years old. A subtle reminder for the young to protect and cherish for the old for many reasons; not the least of which is that they are the vessels of collected wisdom that can be gained only through experience. During the Renaissance, Juniper represented not only youth but also purity and protection. I became interested in the meaning of Juniper upon seeing a portrait of Ginevra De' Benci by Leonardo Da Vinci in the National Gallery (Washington DC). Later research revealed that at Christmas, the Juniper branches used in advent wreaths (around the candles) represent the protection of Jesus, Mary and Joseph during their flight to Egypt from Harod in Bethlehem. Notice the series of triangles crossing over each other. The base of the larger Juniper branch is pointing upward and backward while it's newest leaves and berries point slightly forward into the future.