Pleasure garden, with three figures in front of a fountain at center, a row of putti to the left, and a group of women to the right; set design from 'Il Pomo D'Oro' 1668

This etching by Mathäus Küsel, a prominent German artist of the 17th century, depicts a lavish stage design for the opera 'Il Pomo D'Oro.' Created in 1668, the print features a grand, symmetrical, and elaborate setting. The central fountain, adorned with sculpted figures, is framed by two imposing architectural structures, each featuring numerous decorative elements like statues, urns, and foliage. The scene is populated by figures dressed in elaborate costumes, adding a sense of pageantry and grandeur. The work captures the opulent aesthetic of Baroque theater, and its detailed rendering offers a glimpse into the artistry and technical ingenuity of the time.