Angels Pour Wrath of God Upon the Earth – Apocalypse by Jean Le Clerc
VISION DES SEPT ANGES AVEC SEPT PHIOLES
Translation: Vision of the Seven Angels with Seven Vials
This engraving draws on Revelation 15–16, where seven angels are given bowls (vials) filled with the wrath of God to pour upon the earth. The vomiting dragon or beast and frogs refer specifically to Revelation 16:13, where unclean spirits like frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, symbolizing demonic influence and deception.
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.
Coelesti septem venientes arte ministri
Septem poenarum pocula plena ferunt
Haec simul effundunt: his bestia tangitur ingens
Quae turpes ranas ore patente vomit
Translation:
Seven ministers from heaven approach with sacred art,
Carrying seven bowls full of punishments.
As they pour them out together, the great beast is struck,
And with gaping mouth it spews forth loathsome frogs.
I. le clerc ex
This is the signature of Jean Le Clerc (Latinized: Ioannes Le Clerc), meaning “drawn/engraved by Le Clerc.”
Notes on Condition: Red Crayon Marks on Image.