Pair of monopodia-supported armchairs

This pair of chairs would have been used in a drawing room, to which a person might “withdraw” for conversation or entertainment. They incorporate animal monopodia, which consist of the head and one leg of an animal (here a leopard). Monopodia were first seen in Roman furniture and were revived during the late 18th century by neoclassical designers. A Roman example, in dark marble with a goat’s head, is in the Museum’s collection. These chairs were made in Ireland and were formerly in the collection of Caledon Castle in Northern Ireland.