Demons of the Euphrates – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
CE QUI ADUINT APRES LE SON DE LA 6e TROMPETTE
Translation: What happens after the sound of the sixth trumpet
This engraving illustrates Revelation 9:13–19, where the sixth trumpet releases the four angels who had been bound and held captive at the Euphrates, who lead a devastating cavalry that kills a third of humanity. The monstrous riders, emerging from smoke or clouds, bear terrifying faces and weapons, consistent with Le Clerc’s dramatic and symbolic Baroque interpretation.
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):
Mox sexta resonante tuba de carcere missi
Terribiles geny quatuor ense ferunt
Milia multa equitum ferroque ignique tremenda
Ecce ruunt hominum tertia parsque cadit
Translation:
Soon, as the sixth trumpet resounded, from prison were sent forth
Four dreadful spirits, dealing death with the sword.
Countless thousands of horsemen, fearsome with fire and steel—
Behold! A third part of mankind falls down and perishes.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”