text: I agree, the tree can also be a Christian symbol as can the snake, although, to my knowledge (and I'm not wedded to this idea) I believe that the early tree symbolism of Christianity did not include the roots whereas pagan symbolism did.
  I do like the symbolism of the bread, broken against the background of the tree (cross).  This dates to what some on this site refer to an "outdated ecclesiology" referring to the placement of the fracture rite of the mass.  The imagery of flowers and mustard is interesting but for the fact that I don't see any mustard flowers.  Still, it is Christ who gives Life.
  I realize that in the two factions represented in the arguments on this site we may be on different sides; I think it worthwhile to recognize that and move on.  Discussions like this are more fruitful, in my opinion, because they allow us to see the common humanity in one another and not merely the "jersey".
  Thank you for the discussion.
  Yes.  I hope the artist or patron can tell us.