Etien Baudet (1638-1711) came from a very modest background, but his talent steered him towards a leading position among the contemporary French engravers. One of the climaxes of his professional career dates to 1693, when he was appointed the royal engraver. The print features Pallas Athena accompanied by the allegories of Strength and Justice who jointly portray Pope Clement IX on a relief. The scene is crowned by a Latin motto, Inde Pastor Egressus est Lapis Israel, paraphrasing the Old Testament text, „Because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob / because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel“ (Genesis 49:24).
