Parable of the mote and the beam 1732 - 1750

Pietro Monaco’s Parable of the Mote and the Beam is a black ink engraving, its sharp lines creating a stark and didactic visual space. The composition is split, yet unified, by a rough-hewn beam that dramatically bridges two crumbling architectural structures. This beam serves not only as a physical connection but also a visual metaphor, dwarfing the figures below. Monaco uses line and form to emphasize the engraving’s moral lesson. The pointing gestures of the figures create dynamic diagonals that intersect with the heavy horizontal beam, thus creating tension. The figures are set against a backdrop of crumbling stone and a cloudy sky, suggesting a world in decay. The beam, a symbol of the viewer's own faults, dominates the scene, overshadowing the accusations traded between the characters. Ultimately, Monaco's engraving uses visual structure to frame a theological debate about judgment and self-awareness. The artwork invites us to reflect on how we perceive ourselves and others, thus challenging our own positions.