Figures gathered at a seaport as a ship arrives; set design from 'Il Fuoco Eterno' 1674

This etching by German artist Mathäus Küsel, created in 1674, is a set design for the opera 'Il Fuoco Eterno'. The scene depicts a bustling seaport, with a ship arriving in the distance. In the foreground, figures gather, while three cherubs soar through the cloudy sky above. This detailed drawing, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlights Küsel's skill in depicting architectural perspective and the drama of theatrical staging. 'Il Fuoco Eterno', meaning 'The Eternal Fire', was an opera composed by Antonio Cesti, highlighting the popularity of Baroque opera during this period.