Theories Regarding the Meaning of the Boston Throne




There are various theories as to what the relief on the Boston Throne represents. Some may be more problematic than others, but none can be easily disproved. The inability to determine the identity of the winged youth and the females compounds the problems caused by the confusing version of Psychostasia represented on the Throne.

The various theories are:

Eros deciding between Aphrodite and Persephone for the possession of Adonis.

Eros deciding between Persephone and Aphrodite which figure will atone for an ancient grief of Persephone, followed by a period of rebirth, in a forgotten Pythagorean cult myth.

Eros deciding which of two wives' husbands will return home safely.

Eros deciding the outcome of a battle between two heroes in the presence of their mothers or protectors.

Eros deciding on the outcome of the battle between Anchises and Tithonus in the presence of Aphrodite and Eos.

Eros as personification of the morning and evening stars.

An allegory of the triumph of the young soul over the old.

An allegory of death beside that of birth on the Ludovisi Throne.

Kairis deciding between the good and bad in the presence of Promethia and Epimethis.

(In the Augustan Period;) Eros deciding the destiny of Aeneas and Turnus in the presence of Venus and Juno.





Page constructed and maintained by Melissa M.Terras
Date last modified: 18th April 1997.