Book - La Sainte Bible. Version d'Ostervald. Paris-Bruxelles, 1899.

The only known instance of bookbinding in the history of the Gödöllő artists’ colony was a French-language Bible. The painted and engraved decoration of the covers was made by the Swede Leo Belmonte according to a design by one of the leaders of the artists’ colony, Sándor Nagy. The first human couple can be seen on the front cover, with a deer nestling up to Eve and a huge, majestic eagle next to Adam. The paradise around them is made up of stylized palm trees and conifers. The framework of the title below the figural composition is also made up of floral motifs. The letters of the title “BIBLIA” also resemble stylized vines and their forms adapt to the shape of the frame. Sándor Nagy’s clear outlining and the power of the dynamic composition assert themselves outstandingly in the use of the leather engraving technique. Leo Belmonte, who executed the design, succeeded in creating a harmony of ornamentation and materiality, combining the virtues of art and craft. The binding of this book reflects the mindset of the Gödöllő artists’ colony, its deep desire for peace, equality, and nature. It evokes the Garden of Eden and its paradise of peace with the eagle, a symbol of the spirit strengthened with grace, which may also represent resurrection through Christ.