Andrea Bolzoni’s engraving, “Blessed Petrus Petroni”, 1723, after Giacomo Parolini

Andrea Bolzoni (aka Andrea Bolsoni) (1689–1760)

“Blessed Petrus Petroni” (aka “B. Petrus Petroni” [as inscribed on plate]), 1723, after Giacomo Parolini (1663–1733).

The subject portrayed in this engraving shows the “blessed”—but not offically beatified—pious and humble Carthusian monk, Petrus Petroni (1311–1361), after he cut off the index finger of his left hand as a way of disallowing himself to be ordained a priest by the Prior of the Carthusian Charterhouse of Maggiani (near Florence) (see https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/peter-petroni-bl).

Engraving on laid paper (with watermark).

Size: (sheet) 36.8 x 23.6 cm; (plate) 34.3 x 21.3 cm; (outer image borderline) 33.8 x 21 cm.

Lettered below the image in four lines of Latin: (centre) “B. PETRUS PETRONI Cartusianus de Senis Prophetie dono, ac/ Miraculis clarus, adeo humilis, ut, ne Sacerdos fieret, Deo inspirante,/ Indicem sibi prorsus amputare non dubitaverit. Obijt Anno Salut. nostrę./ Iac Parolinus Invent. M.CCC.LXI Andr. Bulzonus Sculp. Ferrarię. 1723.”

(B. Petr PETRONI Cartusianus of Siena and the gift of prophecy, and / wrought miracles to clear, it is so humble, so that, not to become a priest, the inspiration of God, / did not hesitate to cut off a list of himself to be altogether. In finished Salut. shine./ James Parolin Invent. M.CCC.LXI [1361] Andr. Bulzoni Sculp. Ferrario. 1723.)

Condition: strong and well-printed impression with a small (1–1.5 cm) margin around the platemark. There are a few pale stains and surface marks towards the lower left otherwise the sheet is in very good condition for its age (i.e. there are no tears, holes, folds, losses, abrasions or foxing).

I am selling this sensitively executed engraving exemplifying the Baroque period—note the dramatic effect of the low viewpoint, theatrical lighting, bold diagonal lines and twisting forms—for AU$218 (currently US$151.21/EUR134.95/GBP120.21 at the time of posting this print) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world (but not, of course, any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries).

If you are interested in purchasing this exceptionally rare engraving featuring the amazing sacrifice of Petrus Petroni who in his humility cut off his finger as a way of declining the offer by the Prior of the Carthusian Charterhouse to make him a priest—I understand that an index finger is needed to be a priest (but I may be wrong about this)—please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

This print has been sold