Satan released by the Angel – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
SATHAN LIÉ PAR L’ANGE ET APRÈS MIL ANS DESLIE
Translation: Satan Bound by the Angel and Loosed After a Thousand Years
This engraving reflects Revelation 20:1–3, 7–10, where an angel binds Satan (the dragon or serpent) and casts him into the abyss for a thousand years. Afterward, he is released for a short time before final judgment. The imagery of the chained beast and the angel with the key captures this moment of apocalyptic transition vividly.
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.
Latin verses (bottom border):
Tartareo immamis conclusus carcere serpens
En dico premitur bestia sæva iugo
Hinc post mille fremens se cursus atterigat annos
Eius at ista brevis regna furoris erunt
Translation:
The monstrous serpent is bound in Tartarus’ prison,
Behold, the savage beast is pressed down by command and yoke.
Then after a thousand years, roaring, he will resume his course—
But his reign of fury shall be brief.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”
Condition: trimmed at bottom.