1-156-832 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Design for a production of Mozart's opera 'Die Zauberflote' ('The Magic Flute'), 1816. Fire and water, two of the ordeals that Tamino, the hero had to undergo before being received by Sarastro the High Priest in the temple of Isis and Osiris. The plot of the opera, originally produced in 1791, has overtones of freemasonry. Some say the character the Queen of the Night represents Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780).