The subject is inspired by the poetic composition entitled "Lignum Vitae" (The Tree of Life) written by Bonaventura da Bagnoregio, a Saint of the Franciscan order. It refers to the verse of the Apocalypse (22, 2) stating that the Tree of Life yields twelve harvest a year and provides man with the gifts of God. Jesus Christ is shown crucified on a tree whose twelve branches are filled with medallions symbolizing these fruits. At the base of the tree, stories from Genesis are illustrated, from eh creation of Adam to the expulsion from Paradise, reminding us that Christ dies on the cross to save man from eternal damnation. The register right above these scenes contains depictions of four figures: Moses, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, patron saint of the Covent of Monticelli, and Saint John the Evangelist. The medallions on the branches illustrate various episodes from the life of Christ, his passion, and glory. The image at the top depicts the Virgin and Christ enthroned amidst a multitude of angels, saints, and the blessed. Below these images, flanked by prophets Ezekiel and Daniel, a pelican rips open its breast to feed its young, symbolizing the love of Christ who died for the salvation of mankind. On the large wall of the refectory in the Franciscan Convent of Santa Croce, a fresco by Taddeo Gaddi presents the same iconography: a central image of Christ crucified on the Tree of Life. At the foot of the cross, among several Franciscan saints, Saint Bonaventura is shown intently writing his "Lignum Vitae." Pacino di Buonaguida, author of this painting and also an illuminator, was one of the most prominent artists in early fourteenth-century Florentine painting. Description from museum.