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Roman chairs
#16
Hi Carme,

That figures, as the Norman-Sicilan kingdom was heavily influenced by Byzantium.

By the way, here's a side picture of the "Throne of Maximian":

[Image: ivory15.jpg]

I also found this picture in one of my books, of the Roman magistrate Rufius Probianus on his throne.

[Image: Throne2.jpg]

The picture lacks a bit of depth, but it is clear he sits on a chair of the same design as the throne of Maximian.
It's a diptych of around 400 AD, so I think Galla Placidia definitely has her throne.
Now just the minor details of having it made and decorated Smile
I do think it does not have to be as opulent as the Throne of Maximian, being over a century younger, but some decoration might be in place.
Andreas Baede
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#17
Well, I’ve been busy looking through my books and the Internet on chairs and thrones (hey, Vorty and me undoubtedly want to have *our* turn too sitting on a throne, sooner or later J)

When you look at this 3rd century relief from Trier, you have a sideview of a chair that is pretty much like a classical high-backed Roman chair, which apparently could be made of wood or of wicker.

[Image: Chair1.jpg]

Here’s a picture of a chair on a 4th century sarcophagus from the Vatican:

[Image: Chair2.jpg]

Looks like a classical type high-backed chair made of wicker, no? Notice the footstool, by the way.

I am going out on a limb here, but I bet the classical high-backed chair was still pretty common in late Roman times.

Now take another look at the throne of Maximian, front and side views

[Image: Throne3.jpg]

It seems the throne is derived, in shape, from the classical chair, and it may have been, even at this time, nothing more and nothing less than a fancy version of a chair type still in common use at the time (or at least until fairly recently). However, its seating area looks a bit “highâ€
Andreas Baede
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#18
Compare also with this:

Virgin Mary on throne, catacomb of Domitilla circa 530 AD, Rome:

[Image: Throne10.jpg]

It is again a rather “flatâ€
Andreas Baede
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#19
Herod on his throne, again S.M.M.:

[Image: Throne7-1.jpg]

And the apocryphal throne of Christ, once again S.M.M.:

[Image: Throne9-1.jpg]

and the same in San Vitale, Ravenna:

[Image: Throne13.jpg]

And always...the footstools :wink:
Andreas Baede
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#20
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fantastic!!!!
Look!, this throne is similar to throne of maximilian, or another thrones, I think that the more important caracteristics to the imperial trhones is the fist step, isn't it?

Big Grin D D D


( one Throne in archeon...)
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#21
Yes!!!

In Tarragona I have one friend, he is the best cabinet-maker in the city, he works in the cathedral, museums, etc. He is an eminence in the city, and he wants to make me a imperial Throne.
I have very good luck!!!!!! Big Grin D D
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#22
Thanks!!!
I think my friend and me makes one throne similar than this...
( I hope...)

[Image: b24.jpg]
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#23
Quote:Yes!!!

In Tarragona I have one friend, he is the best cabinet-maker in the city, he works in the cathedral, museums, etc. He is an eminence in the city, and he wants to make me a imperial Throne.
I have very good luck!!!!!! Big Grin D D
Who's this guy?! Confusedhock: Do I know him?
[Image: 120px-Septimani_seniores_shield_pattern.svg.png] [Image: Estalada.gif]
Ivan Perelló
[size=150:iu1l6t4o]Credo in Spatham, Corvus sum bellorum[/size]
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#24
Ah, that throne is from Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna; 6th century Arian Ostrogothic work Smile

Great news you already have an artisan capable of doing it, Carme.

However, personally I think I would go for a semicircular throne, for two reasons: 1) it would show a nice continuity with the classical semicircular chairs, and 2) I suspect it will be considerably more comfortable to sit in, supporting the body of the occupant on three sides, instead of just the rear.
Then again, I think the basic structure of the throne you've chosen is easier to make than that of the semicircular ones.

Your cabinet maker, he is a skilled woodcarver? I've been looking for some skilled furnituremakers for some time now (for Roman stuff) and I accidentally ran into this guy:
http://www.faragas.com/

[Image: Szir.jpg]

I think he has the skills to make a top-of-the-line Roman throne, though I suspect he doesn't come cheap Cry

I am really curious what your cabinetmaker friend will make, and how it will look like Smile
Oh, and don't forget the footstool! It really looks like most thrones come with a footstool, which makes me pretty certain the actual "seat" is rather high, elevating the occupant of the throne over other (sitting) people.

Meanwhile, I'll advise any late Roman tribunes (Aitor, Michael of Herculiani) to get their hands on a nice late Roman sella curulis... :mrgreen:
Andreas Baede
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#25
yes!!!, my friend is skilled wood maker!!! and for him is a nice job and experience. I would like to make a reportage photographic to be able to teach(show) it, here in the RAT. But i don't know when will begin...
but the form, i think is better to make non a circular throne, yes, a nice continuity with the classical semicircular chairs, but, no is more comfortable.
Do you remember the trhone of Archeon, it was more comfortable for the great support of the back, and you towards being mas haughty... Tongue
Do not worry, when I has the definitive model already I will show it!!!!!!

Thanks Andreas!!!!
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#26
http://arts-sciences.cua.edu/gl/images/ ... Virgin.jpg

Look the throne, but i like very much the both lateral figures!!
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#27
what do you think about this throne?
Flavius Honorius (born 384, died 423).
It's a modern painting, 1883;


[Image: waterhouse_honorius.jpg]
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#28
Quote:what do you think about this throne?
Flavius Honorius (born 384, died 423).
It's a modern painting, 1883;
[Image: waterhouse_honorius.jpg]
This throne is an invention???
Carme
[url:utwukq64]http://www.primagermanica.com[/url]
[Image: vexilium.jpg]
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#29
Hello Carme

Always best to stay with the original sources.

Graham.
"Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream" Edgar Allan Poe.

"Every brush-stroke is torn from my body" The Rebel, Tony Hancock.

"..I sweated in that damn dirty armor....TWENTY YEARS!', Charlton Heston, The Warlord.
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#30
Something more:

Two ivory diptych leaves, Constantinople, ca. 500 A.D. On left is a consular diptych leaf (Paris: Cab.des Med.) A traditional type, but here more plastic, solid, and refined. On right is a court diptych (London: Brit. Mus.), based on a Greek classical model. Well modled, subtle drapery, delicate architecture. These works illustrate the style and good technique employed in Constantinople at the time.

[Image: diptych02.jpg]

Ivory diptych leaf of Areobindus, Constantinople ca. 506 A.D. Areobindus was Consul in the East in 506 and the husband of Juliana Anicia. Below is a hunt in the Hippodrome.

[Image: diptych03.jpg]

On the right is the ivory diptych of Anastasius, Magister Militium and Consul in 517 A.D. Theodosian style. Hieratic and expressive, but technically refined. Anastasius, holding the mappa, presides over the Hippodrome games. Below are Amazons and tragic actors. Medallion portraits of Anastasius and Ariadne. (Paris, Cab. des Méd.)

[Image: diptych11.jpg]

Take a look to this greek firm: they make furniture for hortodox churches.

http://www.xilogliptiki.gr/en/home.html see bishops thrones...

Other images, I cannot scan now, show above all the presence of a rich canopy over the throne, that's often just a simple stool, rather than a rich throne at all.

Vale,
TITVS/Daniele Sabatini

... Tu modo nascenti puero, quo ferrea primum
desinet ac toto surget Gens Aurea mundo,
casta faue Lucina; tuus iam regnat Apollo ...


Vergilius, Bucolicae, ecloga IV, 4-10
[Image: PRIMANI_ban2.gif]
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