Episcopal Throne

Abstract

Behind the main altar of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura in Rome stands the episcopal throne, flanked by two elaborately decorated plutei—stone slabs that enclose the back of the church. These plutei, measuring 4 by 1.94 meters each, may have once formed a barrier for the Schola Cantorum, the papal choir. The cathedra, or episcopal throne, is elevated, signifying the bishop's authority. The plutei are adorned with intricate inlays of serpentine and porphyry, arranged in rectangular panels framed by mosaics forming geometric stars, polygons, and foliate motifs. The spiral columns and pillars are similarly embellished with inlaid Cosmatesque-style patterns, characteristic of medieval Roman tradition. Dating to around 1250, the structure was later restored in the nineteenth century. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.