Sebastiano Serlio’s Second Book of Architecture, published…

Sebastiano Serlio’s Second Book of Architecture, published in 1545, includes a discussion of perspective in scenery and describes the use of three important devices: a series of three pairs of painted, angled wings; painted backdrops; and a raked backstage area.

Serlio also originates the concept of stock scenery, suggesting that there should be three basic, standardized perspective settings for tragedy, comedy, and satiric plays.