Antonio Gonzàles Velasquez, not to be confused with Diego Velazquez from the beginning of the 17th century, is one of the most important Spanish painters of his time.  This allegory is a study for the ceiling of the second antechamber of the Queen’s apartment in the Palacio Nuevo, Madrid (since 1879, the central part of the ceremonial dining room).  The amazing ceiling perspective, the mastery of foreshortening and the highly sparkling style correspond to the baroque spirit of the time.