Pietro Monaco, “La Probatica Piscina”, c. 1763, after Paolo Veronese

Pietro Monaco (1707–1772)

“La Probatica Piscina” (The Probatica Pool), or “Christ Healing the Lame at the Pool of Bethesda”, c. 1763

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching and engraving on heavy laid paper. This print is Plate 69 from the renowned series “Raccolta di 112 stampe di pitture della storia sacra” (Collection of 112 Prints of Paintings of Sacred History). The scene is based on a painting by Paolo Veronese (also known as Paolo Caliari) (1528–1588). While Veronese famously depicted this subject on the inner organ shutters of the Church of San Sebastiano in Venice—a work visible only when the organ doors are opened—this etching documents a different, now-lost canvas version. The mystery surrounding this missing painting, of which this engraving is the only surviving evidence, is discussed by the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-60290162.

The impression is strong and well-defined, although it shows signs of wear to the copper plate. The sheet remains in excellent condition—remarkably well-preserved for its large size—and is free from tears, holes, folds, or significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 40.6 x 57.3 cm
• Platemark: 36.3 x 51 cm
• Image borderline: 31.4 x 48.5 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Centre: “LA PROBATICA PISCINA. / Est autem Ierosolymis Probatica piscina, quæ cognominatur Hebraice Bethsaida quinque porticus habens Ioan: Cap: V.v.2. / PITTURA DI PAOLO CAGLIARI VERONESE, POSSEDUTA DALLA NOBIL FAMIGLIA GRASSI, A S. SAMUELE. / Pietro Monaco del: scol: e forma in Venezia”

(The Probatica Pool. / Now there is in Jerusalem a Probatic pool [Sheep Pool], called in Hebrew Bethsaida [House of Mercy], with five porticoes. John: Chapter V, v. 2. / Painting by Paolo Caglieri Veronese, owned by the noble family Grassi at San Samuele [referring to their residence, Palazzo Grassi, in the parish of San Samuele]. / Pietro Monaco drew [delineò], engraved [scolpì], and published/printed [e formò] this work in Venice.)
• Right: “69.”

References

• Apolloni 69 (Davide Apolloni, “Pietro Monaco e la Raccolta di Venti Dodici Stampe di Pitture della Storia Sacra,” 2000, Monfalcone, Edizioni della Laguna, p. 254, cat. no. 69)
• LeBlanc 56-167 (Charles Le Blanc, “Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant un dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations: ouvrage destiné à faire suite au Manuel du libraire par J.Ch. Brunet”, 1856, vol. 3, p. 38, cat. nos. 56-167). See https://archive.org/details/manueldelamateur03lebl/page/38/mode/2up
• British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1865-0520-756

Price & Shipping:

AU$316 (approximately US$226.52 / €192.49 / £167.59), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this large, beautifully illuminated etching by Monaco—bearing the only known depiction of the missing Veronese painting once in the collection of the Grassi family in Venice, later acquired by Catherine the Great of Russia, and now believed to be somewhere in northeast Scotland (possibly “hiding in plain sight”)—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth and safe transaction.