The Golden Throne is Shown Amongst The Treasures of Tutankhamun
In ancient Egypt the chair was a symbol of status, prestige and authority. This magnificent golden throne is perhaps the finest of all thrones yet found from any ancient civilization.
It was discovered under the hippopotamus couch in the antechamber, covered with a pall of blackened linen. Constructed in elaborately carved wood in the form of an armchair, its magnificence is achieved from its covering in repousé worked sheet gold and silver, inlaid with motifs in semi-precious stones, faience, and coloured glass.
The scene represented on the main panel is that of the young Tutankhamun in profile seated informally on the throne facing his queen Ankhesenamun, who is affectionately anointing his shoulders with scented oil. The composition in the Amarna tradition is among the most charming in Egyptian art. The king and queen are depicted with realism and the colouring is exquisite. The girlish figure of the queen is beautifully portrayed with the many pleats of her robe accentuating the outline of her body. The whole scene pulsates with life, and the colours of the glass, faience, carnelian and other stones blend to create a vivid effect, when combined with the gold and silver.
The throne is in pure Amarna style, the artistic tradition developed under the so-called heretic king Akhenaten. Above the throne is the sun-disc, Aten, with its rayed hand extending downwards towards the young couple.
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