Ornate wooden chair flanked by saints
The image shows an ornate wooden chair occupying the center of the middle of three deep window bays on the western wall of the Chapter House of Porto Cathedral, directly opposite the gilded Crucifix. The prominent position of the chair suggests that it may have served an important ceremonial or institutional purpose. However, its original function and association have not been firmly established.
Prominent chairs were part of the hierarchical organization of cathedral chapters; the Chapter House of Seville, for example, still preserves its documented Archbishop’s Chair of 1592.
The lateral walls of the deep window bay are covered with blue-and-white azulejos. Behind the chair is a glazed window with a beautifully carved wooden shutter, shown open in the image.
Flanking the window bay are two religious sculptures mounted on pedestals. On the right is St. James the Greater (São Tiago Maior), represented as a pilgrim, recognizable by his long staff and pilgrim’s attire. The sculpture originally belonged to an altar dedicated to St. James in Porto Cathedral and was later placed on display in the Chapter House. On the left is a tonsured religious figure holding a book, whose identity has not been established with certainty.
Covering the lower part of the wall the blue-and-white azulejo panels depicting hunting scenes, which continue along the lateral walls of the window bay.
Porto Cathedral Chapter House Images
– Porto Cathedral Chapter House: Magnificent Baroque-Style Painted Wooden Ceiling
– Interior of the Chapter House – A Shining Example of Baroque Decoration
– Porto Cathedral Chapter House: Information Panel about Saint Michael the Archangel
– Porto Cathedral Chapter House: Ornate Wooden Chair in a Window Bay
– Porto Cathedral Chapter House: Carved Wooden Pedestal of a Crucifix and Hunting-Scene Azulejo Panel
Explore More About Porto Cathedral
– Porto Cathedral: A Unique Blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque Styles
– View of the Interior Showing Romanesque Nave and the Baroque High Altar
– View of the Interior Showing Romanesque Nave and Rose Window
– West Façade with Rose Window and Twin Bell Towers
– Sanctuary with the Magnificent Baroque High Altar
– Rose Window and Pipe Organ
– The Ribbed Vault Above the Crossing
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