Cathedra Petri (work of art)
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Cathedra Petri is the name of a stylized, larger-than-life replica of the throne within a multi-part decoration in front of the central wall section of the main apse of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome , which was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1657 to 1666 on behalf of Alexander VII (reign: 1655–1667).
function
The function of the Cathedra Petri in St. Peter's Basilica is a reliquary , a bronze cloak for a wooden chair inside, which, according to tradition , is said to have been the chair of Simon Petrus . However, it is probably a chair made for the coronation of Charles the Bald from the 9th century AD. This was then given to the Pope or to St. Peter's Church after the coronation ceremony. The liturgical cathedra of Peter, d. H. the episcopal see of the bishop of Rome is in the Roman cathedral , the Lateran basilica .
Appearance
The Cathedra Petri is a huge total work of art in the Baroque style , at the center of which is the throne itself. The sky seems to be open above the throne: in the middle, a dove appears in a halo as a symbol of the Holy Spirit , designed as a stained glass in an oval, white-yellow alabaster window . From the appearance of the Holy Spirit, bundles of rays of light and clouds on which choirs of stucco or bronze angels can be seen emanate. The entire upper part of the work of art is gilded. Gold symbolizes the divine.
The throne seems to float down on the clouds from the heavenly sphere. Four larger-than-life bronze figures grip side loops that are attached to the curly legs of the throne, thus keeping it in suspension. They represent the four church fathers , two from the Greek east ( John Chrysostom and Athanasius ) and two from the Latin west ( Augustine and Ambrosius ). The throne itself is decorated with reliefs.
Antioch and Venice
According to church tradition, Peter was also the founding bishop of the Christian community of Antioch before Rome . The cathedra that he is said to have held there is shown today in San Pietro di Castello , the former patriarchal church of Venice . It is said to be a gift from Emperor Michael III. of Venice, which was then still under Byzantine sovereignty, and strengthened it in its self-confidence towards the Popes and in its claim to the Patriarchate of Aquileia . Clearly visible Arabic characters show this throne seat to be oriental, but by no means early Christian.
