It was Maximianus who completed the construction of the basilica of San Vitale, as well as another famous basilica of the region, Sant'Apollinare in Classe. Maximianus was a bishop who not only gave us these great churches, he also undertook revisions of the liturgical books and commissioned large numbers of illuminated manuscripts. It is also said that for the original high altar of San Vitale, he had a textile hanging commissioned for the altar, made from precious cloth upon which he had embroidered various scenes taken from the life of Christ. Suffice it to say, Maximianus was a true patron of ecclesiastical arts and learning; he is himself depicted in one of the beautiful mosaics of San Vitale in Ravenna, where he is shown next to the Emperor Justinian, wearing chasuble and pallium and holding a bejewelled cross.
Returning to the throne itself, it is made of a wood frame which has then been covered in carved ivory panels. It is generally thought to have been made in Constantinople -- though some scholars have also suggested Alexandrian origins for at least some of the carvings on the throne. It was made sometime between AD 545-553 and is thought to have perhaps been a gift (and sign of support) from the Emperor Justinian to the newly appointed archbishop of the old Roman capital.
The throne itself is semi-circular in shape, while the carvings on it depict various biblical scenes, including scenes taken from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary as well as the Old Testament. We can also find images of St. John the Baptist and the Four Evangelists on the throne, and in the midst of all that, not to be missed either is the beautiful vine work, grape clusters, peacocks, lions, deer and lambs that also decorate the piece.
This particular throne would have sat within the apse behind the main altar of the basilica in usual Roman / Byzantine fasjion, though it is also said to have been carried at times, which may well explain why attention was paid not only to the decoration of the front and sides, but also to the entire back of the throne.
It is a beautiful example of late paleochristian liturgical art.
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| The throne from the side |
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| The throne as seen from the back |
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| Detail of the side, showing scenes taken from the Old Testament |
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| Detail of the top front, showing scenes of the Nativity of Christ |
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| Detail of the top front, showing panel scenes of the angel assuring St. Joseph, and the Annunciation |
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| Detail of the front base of the throne, showing St. John Baptist and the Four Evangelists. Also present is the monogram of Maximianus. |
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| Detail of one of the zoomorphic borders which are filled with various birds and other animals. Shown here is a peacock and a lamb. |
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| Detail - Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes |
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| Detail - Miracle of the Wedding at Cana |
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| Detail - Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes |
