The Pool of Bethesda (St. John, Chapter 5)

The Pool of Bethesda (St. John, Chapter 5) by William Hogarth is a powerful example of the artist's engagement with historical and religious themes, executed in 1772 using the demanding technique of etching and engraving. This large-scale print revisits a subject Hogarth first painted as a mural for St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London nearly two decades prior. The work illustrates the biblical passage from St. John, Chapter 5, depicting the moment Jesus performs a miracle by healing a paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda.

Hogarth’s dynamic composition focuses on the architectural setting and the diverse throng of afflicted men and women gathered near the healing waters. The scene is centralized around Jesus, who stands in contrast to the surrounding misery, while an angel is depicted descending to trouble the pool, a sign traditionally awaited by the sick. While Hogarth is primarily renowned for his satirical sequential narratives, such as Marriage A-la-Mode, this piece demonstrates his technical mastery of printmaking and his capability in serious historical narrative, positioning him among the great English artists of the 18th century.

As a prominent graphic work from Hogarth's later career, this impression offers valuable insight into the artist’s commitment to disseminating his compositions through commercially viable prints. This particular print is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given the historical significance and age of such 18th-century prints, high-resolution reproductions are frequently made available through public domain resources for academic study.