Amphitheater with two groups of soldiers running toward each other; set design from 'Il Pomo D'Oro' 1668

This etching by Mathäus Küsel depicts a set design for the opera 'Il Pomo D'Oro.' The printmaking process itself is crucial to understanding this image. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into the wax. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed metal is eaten away, creating lines that will hold ink. This labor-intensive process allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of complex images. Here, the fine lines of the etching beautifully capture the elaborate architectural details of the amphitheater, as well as the dynamic energy of the soldiers in motion. The print would have served to promote the opera, and also to document the scenography. Ultimately, this etching is a testament to the power of reproducible media in disseminating artistic ideas and theatrical spectacle. It blurs the line between documentation, artistic expression, and advertising.