Una iconografia avinyonesa per a la cadira del bisbe de la catedral de Barcelona

The bishop's throne in the choir in Barcelona Cathedral bears carvings representing the coats of arms of Bishop Pere de Planella (1371-1385). However, based on an analysis of style, modern scholars claim that the throne must date from around 1390, the year in which work began on the wall which encloses the choir. The iconography would also appear to confirm this later dating. Two of the subjects depicted in the decorative work, the College of Apostles and the Crowning of the Virgin, are characteristic of the funerary sculpture of the Court of Avignon. Several authors interpret these scenes in their ecclesiological sense. Moreover, Saint Eulalia, patron of the Cathedral, and Saint Oleguer, bishop from 1115 to 1137, are also portrayed in the carvings on the throne. Taken together this would appear to be a clear reference to the Church and her leaders: in particular to the Church of Barcelona, and more widely to the Church of Christ, symbolized by the Apostles and scenes depicting the Virgin. Furthermore, the contacts that the Chapter and Bishop of Barcelona maintained with Pedro de Luna, the papal legate sent by Clement VI1 and who remainded in the city from 1387 to 1390, might explain the glorification of the Church depicted in the decorative work of the throne, which was made to be installed in the new choir.