Heilig Bibel
Medium: Reclaimed Antique Barn Wood, Vintage Railroad Spikes, 17th Century German Bible, Nepalese Paper, Waxed Linen Thread, Ethiopian Coptic Stitching
Artist Statement: This late 1600’s German Bible mounted on reclaimed antique barn wood is a tribute to Germany’s immeasurable contribution to the translating and printing of the Holy Bible (Heilig Bibel). German language translations of the Bible have existed since the Middle Ages. The most important and influential translation of the Bible into German is the Luther Bible, completed in 1534. It was the first translation from the original Hebrew and Greek and not translated from the Latin Vulgate. The influence that Martin Luther’s translation had on the development of the German language is often compared to the influence the King James Version had on English.
In 1439 Johannes Gutenberg, introduced printing to Europe with the moveable type printing press. His major work, the Gutenberg Bible, was the first printed version of the Bible, printed on rag paper. Before the mid-19th century paper was made from long fiber high cellulose cotton. Today’s papers are made entirely from wood fiber. Cotton paper is made from used cotton cloth, hence the name rag paper and is superior in strength, weight, and durability to wood pulp based paper. It is known to last for 100’s of years without appreciable fading, discoloration, or deterioration.
H40 X W14 X D6
