The phrase Obscuris vera involvens means "Truth is enveloped by obscurity". It is from Virgil's Aeneid (VI, 100).

It is also found on an engraving on the title page of Francis Bacon's Wisdom of the Ancients (1641 French edition).

The phrase is inscribed on Athena's shield and explains the imagery there: the sun (truth) enveloped in clouds (obscurity), but shining through.

• Obscurantism

• "Aeneidos - LIBER VI". Archived from the original on 23 March 2004. Retrieved 3 March 2004. Worldwide school library Aeneid (fifth paragraph)
• "Francis Bacon Research Trust - Athena". Archived from the original on 20 February 2004. Retrieved 3 March 2004. Picture of engraving on Wisdom of the Ancients (Francis Bacon Research Trust)