Tree of the Serpent (1922 – Gradill)

6 foot x 4 foot - oil on canvas

 

The painting depicts an ancient tree, its hundreds of branches sprawling upward into a clear blue sky. In the shadows, a serpent slithers amongst the leaves.

 

The brass frame housing the painting was adorned with dozens of rotatable leaves and branches. 

 

A team of us moved the bits of foliage in all directions to no success.