Aquinas Tree

$23.50

Amazingly detailed diagram of Thomas Aquinas' entire Summa Theologiae, mindmapped out as a branchng tree-like cross of Christ. Thomas himself reclines at the base of the tree. Starting from the trunk you can trace out each of the four branches and see the four major sections of the Summa unfold into all their numbered sub-questions. 

For instance, here's the Prima Pars stretching out into the doctrine of the one God, blossoming out into the blessedness of God (4 articles). The section on the Trinity curves back toward the trunk, and its final quaestio, on the missions of the divine persons, hangs just over Thomas' head: "Q. 43, Missionem, 8 [articles]." If you know a little theology and recognize a little Latin, you can actually use this print as a study aid.

Image

This diagram was published as a large etching in1590. The artist is anonymous, but the publisher is Nicolaus van Aelst. It was printed in four parts, from four etching plates. I do not know how many copies were printed, and I have never found a printing that puts the four pieces together. The closest I can find is the four separate sheets in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (RP-P-OB-38.769A, B, C and D). The Rijksmuseum's photos of the sections are in the public domain. I don't think it's ever been reprinted since 1590. The assembled original would be about 31 inches tall; I've sized it slightly smaller (the image area is about 24 inches tall, on a 24 x 36 page) because the production cost goes up so fast above that size.

The title printed along the base of the image is Arborem Divinae Doctrinae Summae Theologiae S. Thomae Aquinatis Utilissimam: The Most Useful Tree of the Divine Doctrine of the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas. I think you'll find it utilissimam indeed.


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More details

  • Paper thickness: 0.26mm
  • Paper weight: 189 g/m²
  • Opacity: 94%
  • ISO brightness: 104%

Size & Fit

Quality Guarantee & Returns

  • Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
  • Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.