This couch was designed by the painter Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema for use as a studio prop. The two sides show different decorative motifs. On one side the legs are turned in Pompeiian style. On the other the legs are carved with Egyptian ornament. Alma-Tadema specialised in idealised scenes of Classical life, with elegantly draped women and much shimmering marble. The couch appears in a number of his compositions, with different upholstery depicted to extend its range as a prop.