An extremely elegant 19th-century Empire-style curule stool standing on veneered, curved X legs linked by a turned baluster-shaped stretcher and terminating in lion’s paws. The padded seat is upholstered in neutral coloured brocade woven with pink and green flowers and foliage, and is flanked on either side by upholstered, out-scrolling arms. The frame is gloriously embellished with scrolls and curvaceous flourishes, while a fabulous winged cherub gazes out from the centre. Full of historic references, this stool echoes the ancient style of chair that was a symbol of judicial power during Ancient Rome, and which was rediscovered during the Directoire period and remained popular throughout the First Empire.