The First Trumpet – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
The title is has been trimmed of the top, but the image clearly represents The First Trumpet
This image illustrates Revelation 8:7, where the first angel sounds his trumpet and hail and fire mixed with blood are thrown down upon the earth. A third of the earth is burned up, including trees and all green grass, signified here by the descending angel and flames consuming the landscape.
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.
Prima increpuit sonitum tuba grandine dura
Arduntur segetes et sata laeta boum.
Quin etiam horrendis totus micat ignibus aether,
Roreque sanguineo tota madenset humus.
Translation:
The first trumpet sounded with harsh hail,
The fields and the cattle’s joyful crops are burned.
Indeed, the entire sky flashes with dreadful fires,
And the earth is soaked with bloody dew.
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 the top, red crayon (?) marks on the print.