| Ludovisi Throne | |
|---|---|
 Back and right side of the Thasian marble, Greek artwork, ca. 460 BC (authenticity disputed). Found in 1887 during public works in the Villa Ludovisi. | |
| Artist | Unknown (Western Greek artist from Magna Graecia) |
| Year | 460 BC |
| Medium | White Marble |
| Movement | Transitional between Archaic and Early Classical |
| Subject | Aphrodite rising from the sea (disputed interpretations include Persephone and Hera Parthenos) |
| Dimensions | 0.9 m × 1.42 m (35 in × 56 in) |
| Location | Museo Nazionale Romano of Palazzo Altemps, Rome |
| Owner | Italy |
| Accession | 1894 |
The Ludovisi Throne is an exceptional ancient sculpture from Locri, Southern Italy. Not an actual throne, the sculpture is white marble block intricately carved with bas-reliefs on its three visible sides, with its primary depiction considered by many as depicting Aphrodite rising from the sea. It originates from the transitional phase between the Archaic and Early Classical styles, circa 460 BC. Currently, it resides in the Museo Nazionale Romano of Palazzo Altemps in Rome, having been acquired by Italy in 1894.
The central relief of the Throne, encompassing a height of 0.9 m and length of 1.42 m, is traditionally interpreted as the goddess Aphrodite, enveloped in her signature diaphanous attire, being aided by two Horae on the shore. Yet, the unique iconography presents challenges, prompting some experts to speculate alternative subjects, like the chthonic deity Persephone or even Hera Parthenos emerging from the waters. The side panels, too, present interpretive challenges, with one showcasing a veiled woman with incense and the other, a young girl playing the aulos, a double flute.