BERNINI, Gian Lorenzo
(b. 1598, Napoli, d. 1680, Roma)

Throne (Cathedra) of St Peter

1657-66
Marble, bronze, white and golden stucco
Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican

The Chair of St Peter shows features typical of Bernini's late work. Sculpture and architecture combine with an ingenious use of light to form an evocative aesthetic whole. The concept, intended to illustrate the authority of papal teaching for the whole world, is represented by Sts Augustine, Ambrose, Athanasius, and John Chrysostom.