A Woman Clothed with the Sun – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
VISION D’UNE FEMME ENVIRONNÉE DU SOLEIL
Translation: Vision of a Woman Clothed with the Sun
This engraving vividly portrays Revelation 12:1–6, where the apocalyptic “woman clothed with the sun” is threatened by a seven-headed dragon (identified as Satan), ready to devour her child. The heavenly battle and divine protection are symbolized by angelic intervention 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.
Matre subpariente Draco vult perdere natum
Angelica immanēm perdidit huncce cohors
In caelo pax, est terras discordia vexat
Excitat in sanctos praelia sæva Draco
Translation:
As the mother labors to give birth, the Dragon seeks to devour the child;
A mighty angelic host defeats this monstrous foe.
Peace reigns in heaven, but discord afflicts the earth;
The Dragon stirs up cruel battles against the saints.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”