tree of melanie

by Mel Ohlinger

The Tree of Jesse is a traditional genealogical image that traces the ancestors of King David. Its origin comes from the Book of Isaiah, which metaphorically describes the descent of the Messiah, and Christians later accepted it as a prophecy of Jesus. The Tree of Jesse became a popular subject in medieval Christian art, appearing in illuminated manuscripts as early as the 11th century, and later in stained glass windows, stone carvings, and murals.



While I admire the artistry of these works, I’ve never liked how Christianity emphasizes lineage through paternity. It’s not a reliable measure of parentage, and historically it has fueled systems that devalue and mistreat women. By contrast, the scientific tracing of Mitochondrial Eve—the genetic “mother” to whom all modern humans can be connected—feels more meaningful. It’s a reminder that most of us share a link to a woman who lived over a million years ago. I wanted to create my own version of a family tree from a maternal perspective, one that recognizes blended families and honors mothers as the reliable constant: the ones who make, birth, and raise children.

This painting began in April of 2019, shortly after the birth of my youngest child. It reflects how my family has grown and changed over the years, with love as the unifying element. At the top, a leaf represents my interpretation of God as Love itself. Though the work continues to evolve, and I don’t feel it’s finished yet, the process has helped me explore what a maternal family tree might look like—a lineage grounded not in patriarchy, but in care, love, and lived connection.