The Seat of Saturn; Saturn at center, seated on a throne of rubble, conversing with a king and three men who stand before him; lining the walls on each side are four figures of Saturn devouring children; set design from 'La Monarchia Latina Trionfante' 1678

Mathäus Küsel created this set design from 'La Monarchia Latina Trionfante' using etching and engraving. The print depicts Saturn enthroned amidst allegorical figures, offering us a glimpse into the symbolic language of power and authority in the 17th century. The imagery of Saturn, who in mythology devoured his own children, sits at the heart of a complex interplay between creation and destruction, offering a meditation on the cyclical nature of time and power. Küsel situates Saturn on a throne of rubble, and this conveys the tenuousness of power, reminding us that all empires eventually crumble. Note the figures lining the walls that represent Saturn devouring children; this draws on the patriarchal theme of power and control over future generations. The set design invites us to reflect on how those in power legitimize their authority through spectacle, myth, and fear. The artwork is a potent reminder of the human cost of unchecked power.