Saint John Receives his Vision on Patmos – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
ST. JEAN RELEGVE EN L’ISLE DE PATHMOS
Translation: Saint John Receives His Vision on the Isle of Patmos
This image illustrates Revelation 1:9–11, where John, exiled on the island of Patmos, receives the divine vision that begins the Apocalypse. He is depicted writing in a book what he sees and hears, as commanded by a voice “like a trumpet.” The presence of the eagle at his side symbolizes his traditional evangelist emblem, and a heavenly figure appears in the vision above.
Circa 1600-1630
Born: 1587 or 88 - Died: 1633
Dimensions: Approx 13.5 x 17.5 cm.
Jean Le Clerc (1587/88–1633) was a French Baroque painter and etcher from Nancy, in the Duchy of Lorraine. Trained under the Venetian master Carlo Saraceni, Le Clerc developed a tenebrist style characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. While only a few of his paintings survive, his numerous etchings and engravings have been preserved, showcasing his skill in depicting religious themes with luminous detail.
The Book of Revelation or Book of the Apocalypse is the final book of the New Testament. Written in Koine Greek, its title is derived from the first word of the text: apokalypsis, meaning ‘unveiling’ or ‘revelation’. The author names himself as simply “John” in the text, but his precise identity remains uncertain. The book is also known as the “Revelation to John”, or “Apocalypse of St. John” and begins with a series of visions he received on the island of Patmos and wrote down in a cave on that island in the Agean.
Signa videt miranda, sacro dum pectore pathmi
Ioannes Christi verba fidēmque docet
Felix ille animi qui nocte dieque revolvit
Verba dei memori cunctaque mente tenet
Translation:
He sees wondrous signs while on sacred Patmos,
John teaches the words and faith of Christ.
Blessed is the one who ponders day and night,
The words of God, and holds them all in faithful mind.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”