A Roman cathedra episcopalis from the Era of Pope Hadrian I
Marco Aimone
Among the liturgical furnishings that have survived from early medieval period, a complete episcopal throne is true rarity. This article examines marble papal appeared on antiquities market in Rome late 1930s and now private hands. cathedra remarkable not only for its excellent state of preservation, but also refined sculptural decoration back arms. Considering decorative scheme as whole, techniques particular, it likely was produced during papacy Hadrian I (772–95) by stone carvers’ workshop Rome, based at church Sta. Maria Cosmedin, which had been rebuilt those years order pope himself. A comparison archaeological data with documents second half eighth century provides an idea role played such thrones focal element program stational liturgy observed popes era. It entirely plausible this rare piece furniture came important annexed to one city’s most deaconries. Its artistic merits open new perspectives arts phases so-called Carolingian Renaissance, while great symbolic value justifies reconsideration imperial Middle Ages, starting “Cathedra Saint Peter,” dates
Gesta