A grotto with collapsing rocks, opening to a sky full of the enthroned gods of Olympus, including Jupiter, Apollo, Mars, Venus, and Mercury; set design from 'La Monarchia Latina Trionfante' 1678

This drawing by Mathäus Küsel is a set design for the opera "La Monarchia Latina Trionfante" (1678). Depicting a grotto with collapsing rocks revealing a sky filled with enthroned gods of Olympus, it showcases Küsel’s skill in creating dramatic and fantastical settings. Jupiter, Apollo, Mars, Venus, and Mercury are among the deities depicted, creating a sense of awe and grandeur. This design is a testament to the Baroque era’s fascination with mythology and spectacle. The detailed rendering of the rocks and the celestial figures, along with the overall composition, contributes to the breathtaking impact of the scene.