From inspiration to interpretation. Artistic graphics in the illustrated edition of the Poznan Bible

Abstract

The article features an overview of one of the most vivid examples of mutual influence of the Bible and art, which is an illustrated edition of The Holy Scriptures of the New and Old Testament. The said Bible was published in 2006 by Drukarnia i Księgarnia św. Wojciecha (St. Adalbert Printing House and Bookshop) in Poznan. The publication contains 38 pieces by 26 contemporary Polish artists, selected from propositions sent in for the exhibition of biblical illustrations called “When the Word becomes an image”. The pieces illustrating and decorating the new edition of the Bible had been executed in a variety of techniques and the artists made sure they were of the highest artistic quality and represented both the depth of spiritual message and the expression of modernity. The proposed pieces are an example of the artistic interpretation of the inspired text, in which one notes the constant tendency to update the biblical story, often shown in the context of present-day dilemmas and multiple threats to our civilization. Due to that approach, the Word of God comes closer to its recipients and remains present in their history. Moreover, the publication of the illustrated Holy Scriptures confirms the fact that the Bible has invariably been “a great cultural code”.