The Great Whore of Babylon – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
VISION D’UNE PAILLARDE SUR LA BESTE
Translation: Vision of a Harlot upon the Beast
This image is based on Revelation 17, where the “Great Whore of Babylon” is seen riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. The golden cup, filled with abominations, symbolizes corruption and false worship. The harlot’s allure to kings reflects the spiritual seduction and political power Babylon holds over the nations.
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):
Immani vehitur meretrix obscena Dracone
Aurato calici mixta venena ferens
Cuius in immensum trepidanda potentia surgit
Hanc cupiunt Reges hanc cupiuntque Duces
Translation:
The obscene harlot is borne on a monstrous dragon,
Carrying poisons mixed in a golden cup.
Her dreadful power rises to terrifying heights—
Kings desire her, and princes too are drawn to her.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”