In every period and in nearly all civilisations, authority has always been represented seated and power standing and triumphant. The constancy of this seated representation of authority is at the heart of this exhibition. The throne at Versailles has always been located in the State Apartments' Apollo Room, where the exhibition takes place. Visitors can also see African as well as Asian thrones.

The Taino Indians, the earliest native Americans, are known not only for the diversity of their culture and the richness of their crafts, but also for having been the New World's inhabitants in contact with Christopher Colombus in 1492; less than a half century later, none were left. They had set up a monarchical social system headed by a cacique - a chief - who was a priest and a hereditary sovereign at the same time. Caciques had the privilege of sitting on this type of honorary chair with zoomorphic motifs, used during ritual ceremonies.

All thrones have three parts combined around a simple seat : the step that raises the chair above the floor and common mortals, a canopy and a footrest.

This nukpewuzinkpo ("seat of manifested and incontestable power") is higher than an ordinary audience throne. It was used for the annual public Ato ceremony, when, overlooking the crowd, the king distributed a share of his wealth to his subjects. The technique and motifs suggest that an Afro-Brazilian or Afro-Portuguese workshop made this chair. The European's contact with the Kingdom of Dahomey since the 18th century accounts for the unusual combination.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Aachen basked in a prestige of being a capital founded by Charlemagne. From King Henry III in 1028, the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned there for over five centuries. The imperial dignity passed into the hands of the Habsburg dynasty in 1452. From that point on, the emperor's investiture ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Frankfurt, the city they were elected. Charlemagne's throne was too heavy to carry, so a new imperial seat made its appearence. Like faldstools, it consisted of a simple metal frame covered in precious fabric to increase its prestige.

Discover the splendour of portable thrones which came from Asia, presented by Hélène Delalex, Curator assistant at the Palace of Versailles. Thrones in Majesty, exhibition from 1st March to June 2011

Discover the throne of Pope Innocent X, designed by the famous italian artist Bernini, presented by Hélène Delalex, Curator assistant at the Palace of Versailles. Thrones in Majesty, exhibition from 1st March to June 2011.

Discover throne of Napoleon 1st, emblem of the emperor political authority, presented by Hélène Delalex, Curator assistant at the Palace of Versailles. Thrones in Majesty, exhibition from 1st March to June 2011.

Discover the Sedia gestatoria of Pope Pius VII, papamobile's forerunner, presented by Hélène Delalex, Curator assistant at the Palace of Versailles. Thrones in Majesty, exhibition from 1st March to June 2011.

Discover the saga of the throne of the king of Bamoun, kingdom located at the west of Cameroon, presented by Hélène Delalex, Curator assistant at the Palace of Versailles. Thrones in Majesty, exhibition from 1st March to June 2011.