This innovative and amusing armchair, with its deeply tufted back and seat, epitomizes the desire for originality and variety combined with a concern for luxury and comfort that was characteristic of the Second Empire. With its curvilinear outline, the overall shape of the chair is reminiscent of elegant Rococo pieces. However, the unusual frame of simulated twisted rope—ingeniously looped at the top rail and knotted at the arm supports, legs, and stretcher—clearly shows that this is not a mere repetition of earlier forms. A number of low stools carved in this manner are known, including one in the Museum's collection (acc. no. 1985.75). They are generally associated with the Parisian upholsterer Fournier, who supplied at least one such pouffe à cordes, now at the Musée National du Château de Compiègne. Chairs of this type are rare; although several rope side chairs are extant, the present example seems to be the only known armchair of this wonderful and unconventional design.