A man stands at center, flanked by rows of buildings; above Jupiter atop an eagle and Juno accompanied by a peacock, converse among the clouds; set design from 'Il Pomo D'Oro' 1668

This etching by German artist Mathäus Küsel, dating back to 1668, is a set design for the opera "Il Pomo D'Oro". The scene features a central figure in a grand setting, flanked by rows of buildings and arched entrances, suggesting a theatrical backdrop. Above, in the clouds, Jupiter and Juno converse, Jupiter riding an eagle, and Juno accompanied by a peacock, further emphasizing the celestial themes of the opera. The drawing is a testament to Küsel’s mastery of perspective and architectural detail, capturing the grandeur and theatricality of 17th-century opera.