The Ancient World

Throne, Roman, late 1st century A.D.

“This object was not intended to have a practical function but rather was created for a ceremonial or symbolic purpose. The motif of the empty throne would come to symbolize a deity or a departed hero. The presence of the snake suggests that this one was dedicated to Apollo, who killed the dragon called Python, often depicted as a serpent. Cloth is draped over the seat in the same way that Greek and Roman chairs are depicted in vase- and wall-paintings.”

(Mary Levkoff, 2008)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Currently not on view