Top of page

Photo, Print, Drawing Throne of Dagobert. Trône de Dagobert

View Enlarged Image

About this Item

Title

  • Throne of Dagobert.

Other Title

  • Trône de Dagobert

Summary

  • This cast and chiseled bronze and partially gilded throne from the art collections of the National Library of France belonged to Dagobert I (circa 603--39), king of the Franks 629--34, considered the last powerful Merovingian king. Four protomes of panthers form the feet and legs; the armrests consist of two carved and perforated panels, decorated with rosettes (bottom) and plant motifs (upper register). The back, triangular in shape, is decorated with three rings and foliage. The seat, originally folding, is a work of the seventh century, or a Carolingian replica. The date of some of the elements is quite controversial. Comparable thrones, with wild cat foreparts, are found in Carolingian illuminations. The back and arm rests can be dated to the second half of the ninth century. The foliage on the armrests has similarities to the ivory decorations or illuminations made in the workshops of Charles the Bald (823--77). The throne's presence in the Abbey of Saint Denis was attested to from the middle of the 12th century by Suger, who was abbot there circa 1122--51. In 1625, Dom Jacques Doublet, historian of the abbey, reported that the priest who celebrated the mass at the high altar sat in the throne. The throne was confiscated during the French Revolution, transported to the National Library in 1791, but was used again by Napoleon in 1804 on the occasion of the creation of the Legion of Honor.

Created / Published

  • [place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], [0603 to 0639]

Headings

  • -  France
  • -  France--Île-de-France--Paris
  • -  603 to 639
  • -  Dagobert I, King of the Franks, died 639
  • -  Kings and rulers
  • -  Thrones

Notes

  • -  Title devised, in English, by Library staff.
  • -  Original resource extent: 1 object: partly gilded bronze; height: 135 centimeters; length: 78 centimeters.
  • -  Original resource at: National Library of France.
  • -  Content in French.
  • -  Description based on data extracted from World Digital Library, which may be extracted from partner institutions.

Medium

  • 1 online resource.

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2021669235

Online Format

  • compressed data
  • image

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is unaware of any copyright or other restrictions in the World Digital Library Collection. Absent any such restrictions, these materials are free to use and reuse. Researchers are encouraged to review the source information attached to each item. For information on contacting WDL partner organizations, see this archived list of partners

The Library asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here.

Credit Line: [Original Source citation], World Digital Library

More about Copyright and other Restrictions

For additional information and contact information for many of the partner organizations, see this archived capture of the World Digital Library site from 2021.

For guidance about compiling full citations consult Citing Primary Sources.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Throne of Dagobert. France Paris Île-De-France, 0603. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 0639] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021669235/.

APA citation style:

(0603) Throne of Dagobert. France Paris Île-De-France, 0603. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 0639] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021669235/.

MLA citation style:

Throne of Dagobert. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, to 0639] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2021669235/>.