A rare and interesting Italian or South-East French carved white marble 'Papal' throne in 14th/15th century style

the architectural structure with flanking pinnacles, tracery decorated back with two arcades with knight-saints, tracery decorated armrest with lion couchants on four square legs with tracery lintels

In overall good restored condition, minor and some small chips to the marble, backrest reinforced to the back, small crack to the seat.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although no documentary evidence exists, according to tradition this throne (sedile) originated from the papal palace in Avignon, hence the naming as 'Papal Throne'. The relatively 'crude' execution of the throne however clearly suggests a later execution as expressed by its style as such. Unfortunately in its present state the Palais de Pape in Avignon is practically completely bereft of its earlier interior decoration; therefore it is (practically) impossible to find conclusive references to the present throne as well as to other pieces allegedly originating from there.
It is worth to note that medieval papal thrones – again according to legend – had a very specific feature in relation to the process of the election of a new pope: a hole in the seat, clearly missing on the sedile offered here. Medieval manuscripts mention a female pope, Papissa Johanna, a name which is broadly known through various works of fiction. Historians regard all hints that a woman reigned as Pope in the mid of the 8^th century, her femininity scandalously revealed as she was not longer able to hide her pregnancy, as lacking any historical background. The story was in circulation at the latest in the 13^th century, e.g. through the chronicler Martin of Oppava, and did not fail to capture the imagination of commoners and clergy alike. It was thought that two ancient marble seats, called the sedia stercoraria, which were used for enthroning new Popes in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, had holes in the seats. Common belief had it that the newly elected Pope would have to sit on one of the seats in such fashion, allowing a committee of cardinals to feel through the hole from beneath in order to make sure that the outspoken formal confirmation formulae "Habemus Papam" was anatomically correct as well.