CHAIR OF SAINT PETER OF BERNINI

After having renovated the area of the high altar with the baldachin, Bernini placed the spectacular Chair of Saint Peter at the end of the basilica's long, central viewpoint. The "chair" is the ancient wood and ivory throne that you can see surrounded by rejoicing saints and angels. A symbol of the Pope's authority, the chair seems to be suspended in mid-air, held up by the statues of the four Doctors of the Church. Notice also the dove in the middle of the oval window above it: this is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, set among clouds, angels, and rays of stucco and golden bronze.